DefinePK

Research Objective

To evaluate the insecticidal effects of ethanolic and methanolic extracts from Nepeta hindostana and Anchusa tinctoria against Tribolium castaneum.

Methodology

The study involved collecting leaves of Nepeta hindostana and Anchusa tinctoria, preparing ethanolic and methanolic extracts, and testing their efficacy against Tribolium castaneum using fumigation, antifeedant activity, and contact toxicity assays. Extracts were prepared by drying and grinding plant leaves, followed by maceration in ethanol and methanol. For fumigation, filter paper treated with extracts was placed in sealed bottles with insects. Antifeedant activity was assessed by mixing extracts with wheat and observing insect feeding. Contact toxicity involved applying diluted extracts directly to the insects. Mortality was recorded at various time points and concentrations.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A[Plant Sampling: N. hindostana & A. tinctoria] --> B[Plant Identification];
    B --> C[Preparation of Plant Extracts: Ethanolic & Methanolic];
    C --> D[Fumigation Assay];
    C --> E[Antifeedant Bioassay];
    C --> F[Contact Toxicity Assay];
    D --> G[Mortality Recording & Calculation];
    E --> G;
    F --> G;
    G --> H[Data Analysis: ANOVA];
    H --> I[Results & Discussion];
    I --> J[Conclusion];                    

Discussion

The study highlights the potential of plant-derived extracts as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic insecticides for controlling stored grain pests like Tribolium castaneum. The methanolic extracts of Nepeta hindostana and Anchusa tinctoria demonstrated significant insecticidal activity, supporting the growing interest in biopesticides. The findings suggest that higher concentrations of these plant extracts are more effective, with efficacy decreasing at lower doses.

Key Findings

Methanolic extracts were generally more effective than ethanolic extracts.
Fumigation with methanolic extract resulted in 85% mortality at 150 mg/ml after 7 days.
Contact toxicity testing achieved 100% mortality at 45 mg/ml after 11 days.
Nepeta hindostana methanolic extract showed the highest effectiveness, causing 98.33% mortality of T. castaneum at 45 mg/ml after 10 days in contact toxicity.
Ethanolic extract of Anchusa tinctoria showed the lowest mortality rate at 25 mg/ml after 13 days of exposure.

Conclusion

Methanolic extracts of Nepeta hindostana and Anchusa tinctoria show promising insecticidal potential against Tribolium castaneum, offering a viable and sustainable alternative to conventional chemical pest control methods for stored grains.

Fact Check

- The study evaluated extracts from Nepeta hindostana and Anchusa tinctoria. (Confirmed by title and abstract)
- Methanolic extract fumigation achieved 85% mortality at 150 mg/ml after 7 days. (Confirmed in abstract)
- Contact toxicity achieved 100% mortality at 45 mg/ml after 11 days. (Confirmed in abstract)

Mind Map