Efficacy of some indigenous plants and a synthetic insecticide for the control of Tribolium castaneum (herbst.) (coleoptera: tenebrionidae)

Research studies were carried out to evaluate insecticidal action of two plant products and a synthetic insecticide on a major stored-product insect, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The plant species studied were, Piper nigrum and Eucalyptus camaldulensis, whereas methoprene used as synthetic insecticide. Two formulations viz., powder and ethanol extract of each plant and four concentrations (5ppm, 10ppm, 15ppm and 20 ppm) of methoprene were tested. Repellency was tested using the filter paper test whereas mortality, weight loss protection and anti-feedant potential of all treatments was evaluated by using whole maize grains. Our results were highly significant as compared to control however; P. nigrum was more effective as compared to E. camaldulensis. The investigation of cumulative effects of botanical and synthetic insecticide and isolation of active ingredients of botanicals are further issues to be investigated for their inclusion in. I. P. M programs.