Insecticidal activity of the root extract of Decalepis hamiltonii against stored-product insect pests and its application in grain protection

Abstract

Root extracts of Decalepis hamiltonii were tested for insecticidal activity against the stored products pests, Rhyzopertha domonica, Sitophilus oryzae, Stigobium pancieum, Tribolium castaneum and Callosobruchus chinensis, in residual and contact toxicity bioassays. Methanolic extract showed LC 50 value of 0.14 mg/cm2 for all the test species in a filter paper residual bioassay. The extract was effective as a grain protectant for wheat and green gram. Reduction of F1 progeny was observed in treated grain stored for 3-4 months. The extract did not affect the germination of the treated grains. Our results indicate that methanolic extracts of D. hamiltonii has a potential to control stored product pests and could serve as a natural grain protectant. © Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (India), Mysore.