Ethno-botanical Survey of Plant Species used for Mosquito Control in Gadau, Bauchi State.

Abstract

This study assessed the ethno-botanical plant species used for mosquito control in Gadau, Bauchi State. The study was conducted between July and August, 2024. In this study, a cross-sectional design method was employed. A popular market in Gadau town, known for its large number of herbal vendors on market days, was purposively selected as the study area. The questionnaire, adapted from previous studies was administered in the local language, commonly Hausa, depending on the respondent's preference. Male respondents constituted the majority, 31 (72.09%), compared to females, 12 (27.91%), with a significant difference observed between genders (χ² = 36.1, p < 0.05). Among the age groups, the 25–34-year range had the highest percentage of respondents, 19 (44.19%), followed by 18–24 years (27.91%), 35–44 years (13.95%), 45–54 years (9.30%), and the least represented were the 55–64 years and 65+ years categories, each at 2.33%. A significant difference was also noted among respondents based on age ranges (p < 0.05). Nine plant species belonging to six families were identified: Tageteserecta, Azadirachtaindica, Cymbopogoncitratus, Salvia rosmarinus, Allium sativum, Menthapiperita, Lavandulalatifolia, Carica papaya and Vernoniaamygdalina. The Lamiaceae family recorded the highest number of species (33.33%), followed by Asteraceae (22.22%), with Meliaceae, Poaceae, Alliaceae, and Caricaceae contributing one species each (11.11%). Therefore, it is essential that the diverse plant species in the Gadau community, particularly those identified in this study be further investigated for their mosquitocidal and repellent properties. This research provides crucial evidence to support the consideration of these plants as viable alternatives to synthetic insecticides.