Bioactivity of Nigella sativa, Syzygium aromaticum and Trachyspermum ammi extracts against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst.) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Abstract

Acetone based plant extracts of Nigella sativa, Syzygium aromaticum and Trachyspermum ammi was assessed against the stored insect pest of processed commodities, Tribolium castaneum. Seed extracts of N. sativa and T. ammi and flower bud extracts of S. aromaticum were utilized for their contact toxicity against the stored beetle adults. Periodic analysis for the contact toxicity, by impregnating filter paper discs and at various concentrations, revealed a significant effect of these extracts on biology of stored product beetle pest, as T. ammi (7.17%) unveiled greater knock down effects followed by S. aromaticum (7.00%) and N. sativa (3.56%), respectively. Fallouts suggest a safer potential of these natural extracts toward disturbing the biology and invasion of stored product pest, T. castaneum. Effects indicate a definite potential of these extracts through their utilization as bio-pesticides towards optimizing food storage.