Assessing the toxic potential of insecticide and indigenous botanical extract against the stored grain pest Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

The current investigation was undertaken to assess the toxic potential of synthetic insecticides (K.Othrin and bio-max) and botanical extracts (Mentha royleana L. and Artemisia absinthium L.) against Tribolium castaneum in the laboratory. Different concentrations of insecticides and botanical extracts were used following complete randomized block design. The results indicated that the toxic effects were directly proportional to concentrations of insecticide and botanical extracts. Higher concentrations had more resilient toxicity than lower concentrations. Among the tested insecticides, Biomax (Chlorpyrifos) showed >90% and K-Othrin (Deltamethrin) <80% mean toxic effect at 2% concentrations. In the botanical extract, Mentha royleana toxicity at 5% concentration is > 90% as compared to Artemisia absinthium against T. Castaneum. The results could be helpful in designing an effective management plan for the control of T. castaneum.