Repellency evaluation of selected indigenous medicinal plant materials against Rhyzopertha dominica (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Abstract

Extract of five indigenous plants viz. Mentha longifolia (Mint), Momordica charantia (Bitter Gourd), Luffa aegyptiaca (Sponge Gourd), Carum copticum (Ajwain) and Curcuma longa (Turmeric) were tested at different concentrations of 25, 50 and 75% to check their repellency effect against Rhyzopertha dominica during 10 days of exposure. Complete repellency was exhibited by Mentha longifolia followed by Momordica charantia (90%), Luffa aegyptiaca (80%), Carum copticum (76.67%) and Curcuma longa (66.67%) at 75% dose rate. Thus, it can be inferred that the natural plant extracts can prove the best alternatives to chemical repellents.