Evaluation f the Insecticidal Activity of Nerium Oleander and Artemisia Campestris Powder and Extract on Wheat Insect Pests

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the insecticidal potential of powders and methanolic extracts of two plants of the Lamiaceae and Apocynaceae families spontaneously growing in the region of Tiaret.   Method: Insecticide tests were carried out in the laboratory using the Direct Contact Method.   Results and Discussion: The obtained results showed that Nerium oleander and Artemisia campestris powders have remarkable insecticidal properties. N oleander powders induced 100% mortality in adults and up to 80% mortality in Tribolium castaneum larvae at a dose of 0.5g, after 7 days of exposure. Adults of Tribolium confusum showed some resistance to the powders of both plants, with an optimum mortality rate equal to 50% for adults. Larvae of both species were found to be sensitive to N. oleander powder with a mortality rate ranging from80to 90%. As for the powder of A. campestris, adults of T. castaneum were more sensitive than those of T.confusum, with adults’mortality rate equal to 100%.  The methanolic extracts of both plants showed a very remarkable efficacy against the larvae of both species as well as the adults of T. castaneum with a mortality rate equal to 100%, after 7 days of treatment at different concentrations.   Research Implications: Algeria has an abundance and diversity of flora that could provide new sources of compounds of plant origin with phytopharmaceutical properties, these results allow us to affirm that powders and methanolic extracts, of the studied plants, can be used for industrial application in the production of bio-insecticides.   Originality/Value: This work could provide alternative or complementary solutions to the use of synthetic organic pesticides to protect stored beans. The development of bio-insecticides derived from plant extracts and the selection of varieties resistant to this pest are part of sustainable agriculture and development.