Efficacy of botanicals in controlling F1 progeny production in Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)

Abstract

Laboratory bioassays (30±2°C temperature, 70±5% r. h. and 12:12, L: D conditions) were performed to evaluate the insecticidal effects of eight different plant extracts against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). Dichloromethane extracts of Lantana camara, Calotropis procera, Polygonum hydropiper, Jatropha curcas, Datura metel, Annona squamosa, Vitex negundo and Murraya koenigii were applied to whole-wheat flour at different doses of 40, 50, 60 and 75 mg respectively and placed in different jars. Hundred newly emerged adults were introduced into each jar for mating, oviposition and later removed from the corresponding jars. The emerging adults (F1) were counted and weighed. Results were analyzed statistically. It was observed that all the plant extracts significantly reduced the production of F1 individuals (F1 progeny production) with Calotropis procera and Jatropha curcas showing the highest efficacy.