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Background: Pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus is the most serious pests in stored legumes in majority of tropical countries. Attention has been given to the possible use of plant products or plant dry powders as promising alternatives to synthetic insecticides in controlling insect pests of stored products. Present study seven plant species evaluated for their bio activity to pulse beetle. Methods: Laboratory studies were conducted at Department of Crop Protection, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Valavachanur, Thiruvannamalai district to study the effect of various plant powders tested against, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) infesting stored black gram. The experiments were conducted two sets, first experiment (insecticidal action) and second on ovipoistion, egg hatchability, adult emergence and seed weight loss. Result: The Piper nigrum 2 per cent seed powder was found to be significantly the best compared to other treatments and caused 100 per cent mortality at one day after treatment. At seven days after treatment, Azadirachta indica (87.77%), Coccinia indica (80.50%), Abutilon indicum (73.50%), Acalypa indica (73.33%) and whereas untreated control recorded only 36.66 per cent mortality was recorded. Piper nigrum was significantly superior than all other treatments in complete inhibiting the oviposition, adult emergence and seed weight loss showed in P. nigrum 2 per cent seed powder treated black gram seeds as compared to untreated control higher numbers eggs laid (107 eggs), adult beetle emergence (90 adults) and seeds weight loss (34.26%) at 30 DAT, (39.22%) at 45 DAT and (45.28%) at 60 DAT. Different concentration of P. nigrum seed powder experiment results concluded that all the four doses (0.50, 1.00, 1.50 and 2.00%) highly effective against C. macultus viz., mortality, oviposition adult emergence and seed weight losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out in the laboratory to investigate the insecticidal potency of some plant powders (Eucalyptus globulus Labill, Lantana camara, Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, Malaleuca alternifolia, Terminalia arjuna, Ficus nitida, Taxodium distichum, Origanum majorana, Stems and covers of wheat kernels Triticum aestivum L) against the adult stage of Sitophilus granarius (L.) and Rhizopertha dominica (Fab). Mortality percentages were registered at three exposure periods (3, 6, and 9 days). Obtained results showed an increase in the mortality percentages of S. granarius and R. dominica in relation to the increase in concentration from 0.0625 to 1.0 g/g and of the exposure time from 3 to 9 days. Data revealed that O. majorana, with the lowest LC50 value (0.136 g), was the most toxic to S. granarius while M. alternifoli with LC50 value had the lowest toxic for the same insect pest. Among the tested plant powders for insecticidal activity, T. arjuna was the most effective in controlling adult R. dominica, with the LC50 of 0.140 g/g; while the least was in M. alternifolia with the LC50 of 0.306 g/g. The median lethal time (LT50) required to kill 50% was recorded. Although the mortality time of all treatments was decreased with increasing concentrations, differences in the median lethal time were found between the plant powders. The tested botanical powders represent valuable tools with the potential of integration into the management of both tested insect pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is devoted to studying acrylamide (ACR) formation and the changes in its levels display during the storage in bakery products (BP) made of wheat flour enriched with plant powders (in the optimal amounts established earlier): blueberry - 3%; pine nut - 6%; rowan - 5%; sea buckthorn - 5%. BP were baked at two temperatures - 220 and 200 °C. ACR level was determined with the use of 'Kapel 105 M' capillary electrophoresis system in various BP parts (crust, sub-crust layer, crumb) 3 and 24 hours after baking. ACR formation differed in different BP layers. All plant powders slowed down its formation in the crust and the sub-crust layer. The process was influenced by formation of heterocyclic compounds (lactams) as a result of the Maillard reaction. In the crumb, ACR formation depended on the type of the used plant powder. In BP cooked with blueberry and rowan powders, the ACR level decreased, while in BP cooked with sea buckthorn and pine nut powders, it increased in comparison with other layers. Lowering the baking temperature helped to decrease acrylamide formation by 15-20% in the crumb and by 25-35% in the crust. After storing BP for 24 hours, a decrease in the ACR level was found, mainly in the crust and crumb. The intake of ACR in the human body of 70 kg when used with 100 g of BP enriched with plant powders will come to 0.16-0.2 pg. Lowering the baking temperature will decrease ACR level by 3-6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation aimed at evaluating the effect of powder fractionation based on particle size on the chemical composition in macronutrients, polyphenol contents, and antioxidant properties of powders of Boscia senegalensis seeds, Dichrostachys glomerata fruits, and Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces. Significant differences (p < 0.05) among granulometric classes of each plant were observed for the chemical composition in macronutrients. A decrease in particle size of plant powders was associated with an increase in ash, protein, and fat contents, while carbohydrate content was lowered. The following Granulometric classes, [0–180 µm] for Boscia senegalensis, [180–212 µm] for Dichrostachys glomerata, and [212–315 µm] for Hibiscus sabdariffa, respectively, were found to maximize total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. These results confirm that the grinding and controlled differential screening technology is an approach may serve as a useful guide to obtain optimum polyphenol extraction and enhance antioxidant activity of plant products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insecticidal potential of powders and aqueous extracts of [Echinops giganteus, Mondia whitei, Citrus limon, Cymbopogan citratus, Ocimum basilicum, Petrosolinum crispum and Mentha lingofolia] against maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais in storage. The chemical pesticide Actellic 2 % was used as positive control. Experiment was conducted under laboratory conditions (24 ± 2 °C and 75 % relative humidity) laid down in a complete Randomize Design with three replicates. The different powder rates (0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 g/20g of maize grains) and extract concentrations (0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 g /ml) were mixed with 20 g of maize grains infested with 20 unsexed adults of S. zeamais. After treatments application, the mortality was assessed at 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 days for powders and 6, 24, 48, 72, 96 hours for extracts. Maize weevil mortality rate was significantly different (p<0.05) between treatments with Actellic 2% causing the highest mortality rate (100%) than the plant extracts. The lowest mortalities were obtained from the untreated maize lot. Mortality rates significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05) with treatment, doses and duration of storage. Among botanicals, Mondia whitei powder (55.56%), Echinops giganteus (57.33%) and Mentha lingofolia extracts showed the highest mortality rate after 28 days and 96 hours for powders and extracts respectively. A shorter period of 47 hours and 23 days was required to cause 50 % mortality for extract and powders of M. Whitei respectively. M. whitei, M. Lingofolia and E. Giganteus extracts were the most effective selected botanicals in controlling maize weevils and thus could be recommended for maize storage against maize weevils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory studies were conducted to investigate the repellency effect of six plant species (Azadirachta indica, Caralluma fimbriata, Allium sativum, Curcuma longa, Citrullus colocynthis and Calotropis procera) against Sitophilus zeamais reared on maize grains (Cv. Azam White) in the Laboratory of Entomology Department, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan. Six concentrations viz. 5000, 10000, 15000, 20000, 25000 and 30000 ppm of each plant powder were applied to 20 g of sterilized maize grains under constant conditions of 27 ± 1°C and 65 ± 5% relative humidity. Twenty newly emerged adult maize weevil were introduced into glass petri dishes and percent repellency of plant powders was determined. A. indica seed powder at 30,000 concentration showed 100% repellency against maize weevil followed by C. longa (76%) after 72 h exposure period whereas C. procera was found least effective showing only 39% repellency of the test insects compared to control. The powders of A. sativum, C. fimbriata were found moderately repellent against the test insects. During the observations, it was also noted that repellency of the tested plant powders was dose dependent, the higher the concentration of the tested powders, the higher was the repellency and vice versa. The findings of this study indicated that the selected plant products could be used for a safer control of maize weevil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory studies were conducted to investigate the repellency effect of six plant species (Azadirachta indica, Caralluma fimbriata, Allium sativum, Curcuma longa, Citrullus colocynthis and Calotropis procera) against Sitophilus zeamais reared on maize grains (Cv. Azam White) in the Laboratory of Entomology Department, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan. Six concentrations viz. 5000, 10000, 15000, 20000, 25000 and 30000 ppm of each plant powder were applied to 20 g of sterilized maize grains under constant conditions of 27 ± 1°C and 65 ± 5% relative humidity. Twenty newly emerged adult maize weevil were introduced into glass petri dishes and percent repellency of plant powders was determined. A. indica seed powder at 30,000 concentration showed 100% repellency against maize weevil followed by C. longa (76%) after 72 h exposure period whereas C. procera was found least effective showing only 39% repellency of the test insects compared to control. The powders of A. sativum, C. fimbriata were found moderately repellent against the test insects. During the observations, it was also noted that repellency of the tested plant powders was dose dependent, the higher the concentration of the tested powders, the higher was the repellency and vice versa. The findings of this study indicated that the selected plant products could be used for a safer control of maize weevil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food losses caused by insects during postharvest storage are of paramount economic importance worldwide, especially in Africa. Laboratory bioassays were conducted in stored grains to determine the toxicity of powders of Eugenia aromatica and Moringa oleifera alone or combined with enhanced diatomaceous earth (Probe-A® DE, 89.0% SiO2 and 5% silica aerogel) to adult Sitophilus granarius, Tribolium castaneum and Acanthoscelides obtectus. Adult mortality was observed up to 7 days, while progeny production was recorded at 6–10 weeks. LD50 and LT50 values for adult test insects exposed to plant powders and DE, showed that A. obtectus was the most susceptible towards the botanicals (LD50 0.179% and 0.088% wt/wt for E. aromatica and M. oleifera, respectively), followed by S. granarius. Tribolium castaneum was most tolerant (LD50 1.42% wt/wt and 1.40% wt/wt for E. aromatica and M. oleifera, respectively). The combined mixture of plant powders and DE controlled the beetles faster compared to the plant powders alone. LT50 ranged from 55.7 h to 62.5 h for T. castaneum exposed to 1.0% M. oleifera and 1.0% DE, and 0.5% E. aromatica and 1.0% DE, respectively. Botanicals caused significant reduction of F1 adults compared to the control. Combined action of botanical insecticides with DE as a grain protectant in an integrated pest management approach is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims at evaluating the effect of successive grinding and sieving processes on the polyphenol content of plants. Powders of particle size ranging from 20 to 500 μm and over were produced from aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum and Achillea millefolium . The evaluation of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity, as well as the identification and quantification of some bioactive compounds by LC-ESI/MS were performed. The highest antioxidant activity was obtained for the 100–180 μm fraction: IC50 of 0.43 and 0.51 mg/mL for H. perforatum and A. millefolium , respectively. LC-ESI/MS analyses evidenced that two intermediate granulometric classes, 100–180 μm and 180–315 μm, allowed achieving the highest polyphenol content. These results show that fine grinding and sieving lead to a differential distribution of bioactive compounds according to particle size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powders and essential oils were prepared from the aerial parts of Cinnamomum camphora, Ocimum basilicum, Chenopodium ambrosioides, and seeds of Pimpinella anisum. Their adulticidal activities and effects on the F progeny of Trogoderma granarium (Everts) and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) were evaluated. The chemical composition of the plant oils were identified by gas chromatography (GC) and GC/mass spectrometry (MS). All of the tested botanicals showed insecticidal activities against the test insects in a dose-dependent manner with T. granarium was more susceptible to the tested plant products than T. castaneum. At a concentration of 5 g kg, many of the plant powders caused 100% mortality of both insects after 14 days of exposure. The powders of C. camphora, O. basilicum, and C. ambrosioides were effective against T. granarium, while that of C. ambrosioides caused 100% adult mortality of T. castaneum under the same assays conditions. A dose of 1.50 ml cm of the oils of C. camphora and O. basilicum completely controlled T. granarium, while 100% mortality of T. castaneum adults was recorded with P. anisum oil. A significant and/or complete reduction (100% inhibition) of the F progeny of both insects was obtained as a result of parental exposure to the tested botanicals, especially at the highest doses applied. Botanicals under investigation showed a considerable grain protecting activity against the tested insect species and could be included in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work was developed with the object of evaluating the anti-insect effect of powder from different parts of the plant 49-1-XIV, as natural alternative to control the corn borer (Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky). Therefore, a complete random design was used with four repetitions and a negative control. The treatments were the structural organs of the plants separately: seeds, pod, leaf, stalk, and root. Mortality, adult emergence, and repellent effect of the insect were evaluated. Besides, weight loss and percentage of germination of the seed of Zea mays, used as substrate by the insects, were determined. The results showed, for powders from the stalk, seed, and leaves of the plant, evaluated at a concentration of 1 %, values of mortality of 69.93, 64.93, and 46.81 %, respectively, for the adults of S. zeamais. The treatments having higher mortality, had the lowest emergence with values of 30.56 % for the stalk, followed by the seed (40.48 %) and the leaves (43.75 %). The lowest weight losses were obtained with the powders from the stalks and seeds. As to the percentage of germination, there were not significant differences between treatments. It is concluded that the powders from the stalks, the seeds, and the leaves of the plant 49-1 -XIV, applied as powders at 1 % have anti-insect effect in presence of S. zeamais by their positive effect on mortality, decrease of the emergence of adults, effect on insect repellence, lower weight loss of the grain, and by not affecting the germination of the seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Studies on the protective effect of botanical products against pest insects have infrequently been extended to side-effects on natural enemies. Indirect effects of botanicals on the storability of seeds could occur through their possible negative impact on biological control agents. Four plant powders and six plant oils with a known effect on the cowpea beetle Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabr.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) were investigated for their effect on the beetles’ egg parasitoid Uscana lariophaga (Steffan) (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) and the larval parasitoid Dinarmus basalis (Rondani) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae). All treatments caused a decrease in parasitisation by U. lariophaga , and developing parasitoids of this species were affected by powders of Nicotiana tabacum (L.) and Tephrosia vogelii (Hook. f). In a two-choice situation using a linear olfactometer, U. lariophaga was repelled by most of the oils. In a no-choice situation, parasitisation by D. basalis was hampered by treatment with plant powders, but eggs that were laid developed normally. In a Y-tube olfactometer, this parasitoid did not discriminate between odours of untreated and plant-powder-treated beans. The powders of N. tabacum and T. vogelii had stronger negative effects on the two parasitoids than the powders of Azadirachta indica (Juss.) or Blumea aurita (DC). In samples collected from untreated traditional storage facilities, subsequently treated with plant powders in the laboratory, none of the treatments could prevent the increase in beetle numbers. At 24 days after treatment, most beetles had emerged from beans treated with powders of N. tabacum and T. vogelii . Parasitoids were affected by the botanical insecticides tested here, but the powders of A. indica and B. aurita may be compatible with biological control by D. basalis . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing a bee-friendly alternative to traditional insecticides used within commercial environments can contribute to reductions in pesticide exposure experienced by managed bees. We performed acute contact toxicity studies using fifteen plant powders from seven plant families against a parasitoid pest, Pteromalus venustus, and its host, the Alfalfa leafcutting bee (ALB). Ajwain, cinnamon, clove, cumin, fennel, ginger, nutmeg, oregano and turmeric applied at low contact concentrations had sufficient fumigant properties to cause equivalent or higher parasitoid mortality as that obtained with the traditional insecticide. Nutmeg adversely affected adult ALBs at both low and high contact concentrations, thus eliminating it as a candidate. Increasing the contact concentrations did not consistently increase parasitoid control but did increase adverse effects on the ALBs. In addition, the efficacious plant powders significantly reduced the sexual function and fertility of the female parasitoids, a feature not associated with the traditional insecticide. The dual nature of the mechanisms underlying the effects of the plant powders may translate into effective control of the parasitoid populations in the commercial environment. The results reported here support further evaluations of Ajwain, cinnamon, clove, cumin, fennel, ginger, oregano and turmeric as potential botanical insecticides for control of P. venustus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is an important storage pest of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Infestation in the store starts mostly through freshly harvested infested tubers or through moths entering the storage facilities. Larvae mine in tubers making them unsuitable for sale and consumption. Damage increases rapidly when several generations develop during the storage period. Larvae are capable of causing damage to the crop either in the field or in the store. Biopesticides are certain types of pesticides derived from animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals. During the course of evolution, plants have developed, as part of their defensive mechanism, various chemical molecules, which proved a protection against insect pests, since the overall pressure of insect on plant is much more than any other herbivore. Biopesticides prepared from plants are reported to have the ability to kill or keep away the pests. They are eco-friendly. The plant products have additional advantage over synthetic insecticides, as they are biodegradable, safe to non-target organisms, leave no residues, and decrease the buildup of resistance strains of insects. Present research is conducted to evaluate the capacity of certain natural local alternative plant powders against PTM under storage conditions as attempts to providing alternative and novel strategies that can be used by both the commercial and/or small-scale potato farmers to control the pest in the store. Methods: Twelve different plants (Zygophyllum, Solanum, Coriander, Arnoglosse, Jasmine, Senna, Colocynth, Camomile, Harmel, Geranium, Basil, and Mint) locally available in the fields of the Eastern Province of the Saudi Arabian kingdom were air-dried under a shad at ambient tropical condition. The air dried materials were grinded into fine powders and kept in tight containers until using. Potato tubers were shacked with the plant powders for a good mixing, until tubers were uniformly covered and the powders stick well to the tuber surfaces. Different dried leaves or fruits of the 12 tested plants were powdered to be used at rate of 25 g plant powder per 1 Kg tubers. The experiments were distributed in a randomized complete block design. Different biological aspects of the treatments were calculated; damage index to tubers and persistence of protection to the tubers during different intervals of storage were recorded. Results: All plant powders had a reduction effect on the deposited eggs laid on the treated tubers with different degrees. The dried powders of Coriander, Clocynth, and Zygophyllum reduced egg deposition on the treated tubers than the control, followed by Jassmin, Senna, Cammomil, and Harmel. The powders of Basil and Solanum also recorded a moderate reduction in egg deposition. Zygophyllum and Coriander could protect the tubers for more than 8 weeks. All other treatments greatly minimized the number of emerged moths from the treated tubers (F1), as follows: Coriander = Zygophyllum (0) > Basil (17.39) > Geranium (17.85) > Cammomil (18.75) > Arnoglosse (19.32) > Jasmine (21.62) > Mint (21.69) > Harmel (52.77) > Senna and Colocynth (72.72) > Solanum (100) compared with untreated tubers (95.17). All treatments had no effects on the tuber germination. Conclusion: The study showed that all the tested plant powders, at the rate of 25 g plant powder per 1 Kg potato tubers, could protect the tubers for more than 8 weeks from PTM infestation during storage. The most potent powders were Coriander and Zygophyllum. All other powders decreased the number of the emerged adults from the treated tubers, with variable degrees, and decreased the percentage of tubers' damage index recorded. Besides, all the tested plant powders had no effects on the tubers' germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]