Toxicity of DMSO, Triton X 100 and Tween 20 against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus.

The problems associated with synthetic chemical pesticides include resistance, residues, pest resurgence and the adverse effects on non-target organisms. Hence, many ecofriendly newer alternatives are being evaluated among which one of the most important is the use of herbal agents. Many of the plant extracts or its fractions are dissolved in polar or non polar solvents or detergents before tested for acaricidal activity. The solvent or detergent used for dissolving the herbal extract should have little or no acaricidal effects. In the present study, laboratory tests were carried out on engorged female Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus ticks to detect the toxicity of common diluents such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), Tween 20 and Triton X 100 at 1% concentration. The result of the study revealed that least acaricidal activity was with Triton X 100 while the other two inhibited the hatching of eggs laid by treated ticks.