Effect of some phytotherapeutic agents on egg hatchability of Boophilus microplus*

Phytotherapeutic agents like neem (Azadirachta indica) seed oil, karanj (Pongamia glabra) seed oil, mixture of neem and karanj seed oil (1:1), methanolic extract of neem leaves, methanolic extract of karanj leaves and mixture of methanolic extract of neem and karanj leaves (1:1) were tested for their in vitro effect on egg —hatchability. Following treatment, per cent hatchability of eggs was severely affected. The mean value of per cent hatchability of eggs in the control group of ticks was 93.92±0.98. The efficacy of karanj seed oil (15.04±1.17) and karanj leaves extract (17.42±1.06) respectively on the hatchability of eggs were not significantly different (P>0.05). The mean values of per cent hatchability of eggs in karanj oil treated group was statistically (P<0.05) lower as compared to the groups treated with the mixture of neem and karanj leaves extract (20.13±1.01), mixture of neem and karanj seed oil (30.04±1.46), neem leaves extract (35.31±1.33) and neem seed oil (83.59±1.06), respectively. The mean value of per cent hatchability in karanj leaves extract treated group was 14.11±0.58 which was statistically lower (P<0.05) than the other treatment groups. In the eggs of ticks treated with the mixture of neem and karanj leaves extract, mixture of neem and karanj seed oil, neem leaves extract and neem seed oil, the average per cent hatchability was observed to be 18.89±0.98, 21.29±1.55, 23.49±1.63 and 75.27±1.56, respectively.