Repellent effects of selected medicinal plant extracts against Rust-Red Flour Beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Abstract

Acetone based plant extracts of Nigella sativa, Syzygium aromaticum and Trachyspermum ammi was assessed against the stored pest of processed commodities, Tribolium castaneum. Periodic analysis for the repellence, by impregnating half-filter paper disc and at various concentrations (5, 10, 15%), was done. Trials showed significant repellent effects as T. ammi (76.67%) followed by S. aromaticum (76.54%) and N. sativa (64.32%). Overall, the T. ammi extracts were proved to be more repellent followed by S. aromaticum and N. sativa. Results suggest a safer potential of these natural extracts toward disturbing the biology and invasion of stored product pest, T. castaneum. Results also indicate a definite potential of these extracts towards incorporation of these extracts in pest management programs and towards optimizing food security through utilizing them as bio-pesticides.