Inhibitory Effects of Medicinal Plant Extracts Against Tribolium Castaneum (Herbst.) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Abstract

Qualitative and quantitative losses of almost all the stored grain products are associated with Tribolium castaneum commonly known as red floor beetle. Since its first appearance, chemicals are vitally being used to manage the pest which encouraged evolutionary changes in the insect. Searching the alternative to the chemicals, the present study was planned to investigate the potential of different medicinal plant extracts against the test insect. Extracts of Fumeria indica, Viola odorata and Linium ustatisum at 3, 6, 9 and 12 % doses along with the untreated check were applied for their significant effects upon insect mortality and population growth rate. Extending the experiment, flour weight loss was also calculated due to insect feeding. The observations were recorded after 48, 96, and 144 hours, while population growth rate was checked after 35 days. Statistical analysis exhibited that Viola odorata extract significantly displayed higher insect mortality, lower population growth rate levels and least reduction in grain weight followed by Fumeria indica and Linium ustatisum.