Insecticidal Potential of Capparis decidua to Rhizopertha dominica (Fabr.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)

In the present investigation various solvents i.e. acetone, chloroform, petroleum ether, methanol, hexane and aqueous extracts of stem, root and flower of Capparis decidua were evaluated for insecticidal activity against the Rhizopertha dominica (Fabr). For evaluation of insecticidal activity different bioassays were conducted and insects were exposed with varying doses of each extract. These have shown very high mortality i.e. 90-95% mortality and were found to be dose dependent. In addition, these extracts have shown very high repellency in R. dominica and significantly deterred large number of insects from feeding that may be influenced by diverse chemicals and different functional groups with volatile property. These extracts also have shown poisoning of stored grain insect R. dominica like a fumigant. Moreover, when adult females of lesser grain borer were exposed with sub-lethal doses these have not only killed the adult insects but also inhibited oviposition in susceptible females and disallow emergence of F individuals by blocking the 1 development. However, the % ODI (oviposition deterrence index) obtained in test females was obtained very high i.e. 40.51% to 81.83%. Therefore, it can be concluded that present plant species possess few active components that may show wider insecticidal performance and efficacy not only against R. dominica but also against all other stored grain insect pests. These can be used as bio-pesticides to control stored grain beetles. For this purpose, constituent’s level study along with structure activity relationships of natural products is to be required.