Exploration Of Piliostigma Thonningii (Schum.) A Tropical Tree For Possible Utilization As A Plant-Derived Pesticide

Abstract

The use of plant-derived pesticides against crop pests both on the field and during post-harvest is now emerging as one of the most important means of crop protection under an Integrated Pest Management framework following the multiple global challenges created by synthetic chemical pesticides. Studies on the phytochemicals, chemomicroscopic screening and mineral composition of Piliostigma thonningii (Schum.) were investigated for its potential useful bioactive compounds resource for possible utilization as plant-derived pesticides.The aqueous screening using reported methodologies for phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, carbohydrates, glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, steroids and tannins. Mineral analysis of both bark and leaves revealed that it contain substantial amount of nutrients evaluated. The results of this study suggested that P. thonningii (Schum.) have great potential as plant-derived pesticidal agent. Knowing that P. thonningii (Schum.) have bioactive properties is not enough, more research work is recommended on the various plant parts for isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds that may be utilize for pest control of agricultural plants.