Menthol containing formulation inhibits adzuki bean beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis l. (Coleoptera; Bruchidae) population in pulse grain storage

Abstract

Plants synthesize many industrially useful chemicals for the benefit of humanity. Plant biopesticides are species specific, less harmful to beneficial arthropods, biodegradable and require low cost in developing formulations than synthetic pesticides that are directly developed from petrochemical derivatives. Twenty different tablet formulations prepared from various combinations of promising plant products have been evaluated for stored pulse grains protection. The natural menthol (9.09%) based tablet formulation containing natural binder and carrier agent-Vigna mungo seed powder (73.63%), liquid preservative-Acetic acid (11.36%), solid powdered preservative-sodium benzoate (5.68%) and edible lemon yellow colour (0.22%) (Treatment-XVII) applied once was found to be the most suitable for the management of adzuki bean beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis L. adult during pulse grains storage period of three and six months. The two tablets/250g grains comprising menthol (XVII) was found to reduce significantly 100% C. chinensis population in jars containing grains of both Cicer arietinum and Lens esculenta up to six months storage period. The beetle population did not increase as compared to average increase range of 245 to 1515 adult beetle populations in C. arietinum and 1825 to 3346 in L. esculenta in other treatments and untreated control during three months of storage. Result indicates that menthol containing cost effective tablets formulation may be developed at commercial level to protect the pulse grains attack of adzuki bean beetles during storage in homes and market places. © JBiopest.