In Vitro Studies on the Effect of Allium Sativum (garlic) on Damalinia Caprae

Use of phytopesticides has many advantages over conventional chemical insecticides and is receiving worldwide attention as an alternative means of pest control. Preliminary studies were conducted to assess the lousicidal activity of alcoholic extracts of Allium sativum bulbs. In vitro study was carried out on the goat louse, Damalinia caprae using filter paper method. It was found that these crude extracts caused cent percent mortality of adult lice at a concentration of 100 mg/ml at 32 h postexposure whereas at 50 mg/ml, the same mortality was observed at 48 h postexposure. It is opined that further purification studies and in vivo trials are needed to ascertain the active ingredients responsible for the insecticidal properties of garlic juice extracts.