Efficacy of Pulverized Punica granatum (Lythraceae) and Murraya koenigii (Rutaceae) Leaves against Stored Grain Pest Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

The pulverized leaves of Punica granatum (Pomegranate) and Murraya koenigii (Curry trees) were tested for their efficacy against the stored grain pest Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) under controlled laboratory conditions. Five different concentrations of leaf powders ranging from 0.05 to 1.0 g per 10.0 g wheat grains (0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.5 & 1.0 g) were tested against the above mentioned common pest of stored grains for their insecticidal and seed protective properties. Both plant leaf powders have resulted in high mortality, delay in development and subsequent significant population reduction. They have also shown substantial seed protection over control cultures. The present study suggests that leaves from these trees have insecticidal properties against one of the most serious pest of stored wheat and could be employed as alternatives for chemical pesticides. © 2010 Friends Science Publishers