Biocidal effects of aqueous extract of the roots of Anacyclus pyrethrum (Asteraceae) on Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) (Coleoptera : Bruchidae)

Abstract

 In Morocco, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) (Coleoptera : Bruchidae) causes very important damage on the seeds of stocked Leguminosae ; its control is carried out exclusively by synthetic insecticides which are harmful for both Man and Environment. Pesticides based on plants constitute an alternative solution in the synthetic insecticides. Many studies have focused on improving forms of using plants that enhance and leverage their insecticidal activity (alcoholic and aqueous extracts, essential oils, etc..). In this study, we sought to evaluate the potentialities of the aqueous extract of the roots of Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) (Asteraceae) against adults, eggs and the emerging of C. maculatus. The tests were carried out on seeds of Cicer arietinum (L.) (Leguminosae) in the temperature of 28.0 ± 2.0°C, photoperiod 12/12 and relating humidity from 70 to 75%.

The results obtained showed that the aqueous extract of A. pyrethrum has an interesting insecticide effect against the adults of C. maculatus. It reduced longevity, fecundity, fertility, success rate and it increases the number of non-fertile eggs of these insects, especially for the high doses. This indicates that a durable protection and at low cost against this beetle is possible by using the aqueous extract of A. pyrethrum, which can represent an interesting alternative solution to chemical insecticides.