Introduction

Botanicals have widespread insecticidal properties and will obviously work as a new weapon in the arsenal of synthetic insecticides and in future may act as suitable alternative product to fight against vector-borne diseases. Importance was given on the application of alternative strategies in mosquito control under the Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM). Development of resistance in vector species has been observed due to continuous application of synthetic insecticides. Toxic substances through the food chain and its adverse effects on environmental quality and non target organisms including human health has also been recorded. Application of active toxic agents from plant extracts as an alternative for mosquito management was available from ancient times. Insecticidal effects of plant extracts vary not only according to plant species, vector species, geographical varieties and parts used, but also upon extraction methodology adopted and the polarity of the solvents used during extraction. A wide selection of plants from herbs, shrubs and large trees is used for extraction of toxins. Phytochemicals are extracted either from the whole body of little herbs, large plants and trees or from various parts like fruits, leaves, stems, bark, roots etc.