Determining the effects of Tephrosia Vogelii, Azadirachta Indica and Jatropha Curcas leaf extracts on Rhipicephalus Appendiculatus in Katakwi district.
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Date
2026
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Busitema University
Abstract
This study assessed the in vitro acaricidal efficacy of Tephrosia vogelii, Azadirachta indica and Jatropha curcas leaf extracts against Rhipicephalus appendiculatus from Kapujan Sub-County, Katakwi District, Uganda, where tick acaricide resistance is a growing challenge among smallholder farmers. It also documented farmers’ indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants used for tick control. Data were collected from 30 livestock farmers using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Plants were selected based on frequency of mention for tick control, with Tephrosia. vogelii authenticated by a botanist at Makerere University Herbarium. Shade-dried leaves were powdered and ethanol-extracted (50g in 200mL × 3; total 600mL per species), yielding 5.77g Tephrosia vogelii), 4.40g (Azadirachta indica) and 2.56g (Jatropha curcas). Extracts were tested at 10.5%, 12.5% and 14.5% in a completely randomized design (3 replicates, 10 ticks per replicate) using commercial Amitraz 12.5% (positive) and normal saline (negative) controls. Tick mortality was recorded at 2-, 5-, 10- and 30-minutes post-treatment and analyzed using two-way ANOVA. All extracts were acaricidal but differed significantly (P<0.001). Azadirachta indica was fastest initially (32.2% at 2 min, 58.9% at 5 min). At 30 min, Tephrosia vogelii had highest plant mortality (86.7%), followed by Azadirachta indica (80.0%) and Jatropha curcas (71.1%). Amitraz was highest overall (20% to 100% from 2 to 30 min). Concentration was significant only at 2 min (P=0.022); no plant × concentration interaction was observed. vogelii, Azadirachta indica and Jatropha curcas possess in vitro acaricidal activity against Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, with Tephrosia vogelii most promising at 30 min, though Amitraz remained superior under experimental conditions. Findings support further investigation, formulation and in vivo safety evaluation of these plants, particularly Tephrosia vogelii, as affordable, eco-friendly complementary options for tick management in low-income and organic farming systems.
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Undergraduate research report
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Okot, S. (2026). Determining the effects of tephrosia vogelii, azadirachta indica and jatropha curcas leaf extracts on rhipicephalus appendiculatus in Katakwi district. [Unpublished undergraduate research report]. Busitema University.