Bioefficacy of Artemisia capillaris Thunb. As a botanical insecticide for the control of Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) and Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boh.)

Abstract

A study has been conducted to test the bioefficacy of Artemisia capillaris Thunb. for the control of Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) and Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boh.) under laboratory conditions. Different concentration of Ar. capillaris in methanol and acetone at 2, 4, 6 and 8% including control (0%) were tested against both the pest species. Methanol extract of A. capillaris was more effective against both the bruchid pests than acetone. It was observed that mortality of adult bruchid was directly proportional to the concentration levels and the exposure time of the pest. The plant extract at different concentration levels significantly (p≤0.001) reduced the fecundity of both the bruchids as compared to control. Like fecundity, F1 progenies of bruchid pests also reduced significantly both in methanol and acetone extract as compared to control. It has been therefore, concluded that A. capillaris could play an important role in the management of both the pest species in storage.