Insecticidal activity of Jatropha curcas and Ocimum canum powders against Spermophagus niger, the major pest of stored roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) seeds in West Africa
- Journal of Stored Products and Postharvest Research , 17 (1) : 1-8
Résumé
In West Africa, Spermophagus niger is recognised as the principal pest of stored roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) seeds and is commonly managed with synthetic insecticides. The use of botanica powders as biopesticides offers a sustainable alternative for managing stored product insect pests. This study aims to evaluate the insecticidal activity of Jatropha curcas and Ocimum canum powders on larvae 1 growth and on reproductive potential of S. niger. The results showed both J. curcas kernel and O. canum powders significantly reduced the adult lifespan of S. niger (P<0.05). The number of offspring was markedly decreased in treatment with J. curcas kernel powder, which completely inhibited progeny production at 7.5%. The reproductive inhibition rate also increased with the J. curcas kernel. These results demonstrated that J. curcas powder effectively protected stored roselle seeds against S. niger infestation and could serve as a promising botanical alternative to synthetic insecticides in seed protection programs.
Mots-clés
Biopesticides, Spermophagus niger, roselle seeds, pest control, Ocimum canum, Jatropha curcas kernel