Impact of Calotropis procera on Behaviour of Leeches in Freshwater Environment

The extract of Calotrpis procers (Common Name-Rui) were tested in vitro for behavioural impact on fresh water leech (Poecilobdella viridis). The behavioural activity of leeches was determined by exposing 8 adult leeches of near about same weight and size(2 in each container) to tap water with 1 ml of plant extract for 1 hr at room temperature, 1 ml of plant extract for 2 hr at room temperature, 1 ml of plant extract for 3 hr at room temperature, 1 ml of plant extract for 4 hr at room temperature.After this exposure the leeches were transferred into other container which contained natural pond water to enable them recover from the effect of toxic extract of Calotropis procera and to act in normal behaviour.Each and every leech movement were observed from time to time and record that how many leeches were dead after 1, 2, 3, 4 hr. of exposure.The effect of Calotropis procera on the behaviour of adult leech were reflected by toxic property of extract.This plant extract shows effect on leeches were very fast causing death followed by the very aggressive behaviour as early as few minutes of exposure.