Exploring the Acaricidal Potential of <i>Calotropis procera</i> and <i>Lantana camara</i> Extracts Against Rhipicephalus microplus Ticks

Plant-based alternative control measures for tick management are gaining significant importance due to the increasing resistance of ticks to conventional chemical acaricides and the environmental concerns associated with synthetic pesticides. Natural plant extracts, rich in bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, offer a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for tick control. This study investigates the acaricidal properties of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Calotropis procera and Lantana camara against Rhipicephalus microplus ticks. The efficacy of these herbal extracts was evaluated using the Adult Immersion Test (AIT) and Larval Packet Test (LPT). The highest inhibition of oviposition (IO%) was observed for the ethanolic extract of C.procera at 100 mg mL-1 concentration (100%), while the lowest was recorded for the aqueous extract of L. camara at 6.25 mg mL-1 (17.33%). Maximum larval mortality (75.99%) wasobserved for the ethanolic extract of C. procera at 100 mg mL-1, and the lowest mortality (14.11%) was seen for the aqueous extract of L. camara at 6.25 mg mL-1. The LC50 (mg mL-1) value of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of L. camara and C. procera in AIT were recorded as 78.46, 58.82, 31.57 and 28.00, respectively. Likewise, the LC50 (mg mL-1) value of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of L. camara and C. procera in LPT were recorded as 406.27, 81.02, 106.88 and 32.26, respectively. These findings indicate that C. procera has significant potential as an eco- friendly alternative in integrated pest management strategies, offering a promising approach to reduce the economic burden of ticks and tick-borne diseases while promoting safer and more sustainable agricultural practices