Euphorbia bupleuroides Desf. latex as biopesticide against the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum [Herbst, 1797]) and khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium Everts, 1898)

Abstract

Laboratory evaluation of Euphorbia bupleuroides latex as biopesticide against the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) and khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) were evaluated at ambient temperature. The insecticidal activity of latex was determined by direct contact application. Different concentrations were prepared by dilution of 2.5, 5.0, 7.0 and 10.0 µl of latex into 0.1 ml acetone. 1 µl was pumped regularly in the thorax of different insects. The latex of E. bupleuroides showed insecticidal activity against T. granarium and T. castaneum. High levels of mortality were associated with the increase in the concentration and time of exposure as well. T. granarium adults are generally more prone to latex insecticidal effects than T. castaneum adults. After 6 days of exposure to E. bupleuroides latex, the LC50 recorded was 14.12 µl for T. granarium adults, and 14.7 µl for T. castaneum. LC90 numbers, on the other hand, were 38.8 µl for the former, and 51.44 µl for the latter.

Keywords

• Euphorbia bupleuroides
• biopesticide
• latex
• Tribolium castaneum
• Trogoderma granarium
• mortality