Insecticidal activity of neem seed kernel powder for the protection of stored roselle seeds against Spermophagus niger Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) under laboratory conditions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64707/revstsna.v45i01.2200Keywords:
Burkina Faso, Spermophagus niger, Hibiscus sabdariffa, chemical insecticides, Azadirachta indicaAbstract
In Burkina Faso, the protection of Hibiscus sabdariffa seeds against Spermophagus
niger relies mainly on the use of chemical insecticides. However, the use of these
products may have harmful effects on the environment as well as on human and
animal health. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of neem (Azadirachta
indica A. Juss.) kernel powder against S. niger and its potential to protect stored seeds.
The powder, applied at doses of 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 g/10 g of seeds, was tested on adults,
eggs, and neonate larvae. A five-month storage trial compared neem kernel powder
with ACTELLIC Super Dust containing pirimiphos-methyl. The results showed no
significant effect of the powder on adult mortality of S. niger. However, it significantly
reduced egg laying at doses of 1, 1.5, and 2 g (F = 18.25; P < 0.0001), with 146 ±
18.36, 114.13 ± 13.68, and 103.13 ± 9.83 eggs, respectively, compared with 200.5 ±
37.58 eggs in the control. Egg hatching rate also decreased, and no neonate larvae
penetrated the treated seeds. After five months of storage, perforation indices were
0.32 and 1.28% for treatments with 150 and 300 g of neem seed kernel powder per kg
of seeds, respectively, compared with 22.40% in the untreated control. Seed
germination was not significantly affected (79.95-81.60%; F = 0.08; P = 0.9654).
These results contribute to the search for alternatives to chemical pesticides for the
management of S. niger.
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