Studies on the insecticidal properties of Chromolaena odorata (Asteraceae) against adult stage of Periplaneta americana

Abstract

Cockroach (Periplaneta americana) is a household pest, which transmit disease in the environment. The development of resistance due to resistance has prompted efforts to seek alternative biological control methods. Community based-plant species, C. odorata was studied for its insecticidal activity of cockroach, P. americana at room temperature. Mortality of P. americana was sparingly recorded in treatment with the lowest concentration of the leaf extract after a short period of exposure (6 hrs). However, the maximum Mortality rate was recorded after exposure of the test species to the highest concentration of leaf extract. The survivals and mortality rate were very highly significant at 0.001% level of confidence. Phytochemical analysis showed alkaloids, flavonoids, saponin and tannin present in the plant species used. Based on this study, leaf extract of C. odorata have exhibited some measures of efficacy in the control of P. americana. Further investigation could be carried out to know the bioactive chemical with this insecticidal property, responsible for the control of this nuisance pest.