LARVICIDAL ACTIVITIES OF CARICA PAPAYA LINN (CARICACEAE) LATEX GEL ON LARVAE OF AEDES AEGYTI IN DENGUE VECTOR CONTROL IN LOKOSSA DISTRICT IN SOUTH-WESTERN REPUBLIC OF BENIN, WEST AFRICA

Background: Mosquito control programs are now threatened by the selection of mosquito populations resistant to the chemical insecticides. Thus, alternative vector control methods are necessary. Objective: This study was aimed at investigating on the larvicidal activities of Carica papaya Linn latex gel on larvae of Aedes aegyti in dengue vector control in Lokossa district in south-western Republic of Benin, West Africa. Methodology: Larvae of Aedes aegyti mosquitoes were collected from breeding sites using the dipping method from September to November 2024 during the small rainy season in Lokossa district. A batch of 25 larvae of fourth instar were exposed to a mixture of Carica papaya Linn latex gel containing in each of five glass jars or test cups of same dimensions with different concentrations of 1mg/l, 2mg/l, 3mg/l, 4mg/l and 5mg/l and one control jar for each serial concentrations containing no trace of Carica papaya Linn latex gel. Larval mortality was recorded after 24 hours, 48 hours and 72hours exposure. Results: The results showed that Carica papaya Linn latex gel had acted by poisoning the larvae of four instars which could not breathe and pupate. Conclusion: The use of Carica papaya Linn latex gel disallows mosquito larvae to acquire tolerance.