Insecticidal efficacy of Rattanjot (Anchusa tinctoria) and Badranjboya (Nepeta hindostana) against Tribolium castaneum

Abstract

Grains are essential for food security, especially during challenging conditions such as droughts, famines, and conflicts. Stored grain products are often targeted by pests like Tribolium castaneum, leading to significant economic losses. While synthetic insecticides have been commonly used to combat these pests, resistance to these chemicals has emerged, highlighting the need for alternative control strategies. This study evaluates the insecticidal effects of ethanolic and methanolic extracts from Nepeta hindostana and Anchusa tinctoria against T. castaneum using fumigation, anti-feedant activity, and contact toxicity. The results demonstrated that the methanolic extracts were the most effective. Specifically, fumigation with methanolic extract resulted in 85% mortality at 150 mg/ml after 7 days, while contact toxicity testing achieved 100% mortality at 45 mg/ml after 11 days. These results suggest that methanolic extracts of Nepeta hindostana and Anchusa tinctoria offer promising alternatives to synthetic insecticides for controlling T. castaneum infestations in stored grains.