Efficacy of Achyranthes aspera (L.) as a Molluscicidal Bait Formulation against Fresh Water Snail Biomphalaria pfeifferi

Abstract

Molluscicidal plant products have interesting attributes of environmental friendliness and accessibility to local communities. Teir bait formulations are more economical and target specifc as they are applied only to the snail-infested sections of the water habitat. Teir active ingestion by target snails could also increase gastric concentrations and enhance efectiveness. Tis study aimed to evaluate the comparative efectiveness of Achyranthes aspera (A. aspera) leaf hydroethanolic extract in bait and immersion applications. Serial dilutions of the extract in water for immersion, and in snail food pellets for bait test, were set. Adult Biomphalaria pfeiferi snails exposed to the bioassays for 24 hours and data were analyzed using probit model. Te plant showed molluscicidal activity in both methods. Te respective LC50 and LC90 doses were 20.37 and 46.84 ppm in the immersion and 3.10 and 11.08 ppm in the bait. Te more efcient bait method reduced the LC50 by 6.57 and the LC90 by 4.23 times. Tis fnding provides a strong foundation for the molluscicidal potential of A. aspera. It is applicable and possibly more efective if formulated into those commercially available snail food pellets or fakes. However, selection and optimization of suitable baits is a crucial step for maximum output.