Phytochemical Effect of the Bitter Melon Citrullus colocynthis Extract on Various life Stages of the Lesser Grain Borer, Rhyzopertha dominica

Yıl 2026, Cilt: 23 Sayı: 2, 365 - 374, 16.03.2026

Abdulla Ali , Khudheyer Alnomani , Meri Mubasher

https://doi.org/10.33462/jotaf.1485525

https://izlik.org/JA43EG46CD

Öz

Rhyzopertha dominica F. (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), often known as the lesser grain borer, is a significant pest that infests stored grains in various parts of the world. Plant extracts show potential as active components for producing environmentally benign biopesticides as an alternative. However, their physicochemical qualities provide a significant challenge when creating commercial formulations. Various challenges associated with using chemical pesticides demand the implementation of alternative, environmentally friendly control methods. This study sought to assess the impact of extracts derived from the leaves, fruit pulp, and crude oil of the bitter melon, Citrullus colocynthis L., on different life stages of R. dominica. Different concentrations (0.0, 2.5, 5, and 10%) of these substances were tested at different stages of the insect's life cycle, including eggs, second- and fourth-stage larvae, and adult females and males. The spraying method was used to apply the extracts and oil as insect food, and the percentage of mortality was determined after 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours of exposure. The results revealed notable variations in the impact of the extracts evaluated. All examined extracts (fruit pulp, leaves, and seed oil) demonstrated a phytochemical efficacy of over 10% for all stages of the tested insect after 96 hours of exposure. The egg mortality rates were 72.9%, 68.8%, and 58.0%, respectively. The second larval stage had mortality rates of 87.0%, 83.8%, and 80.1%, respectively. The fourth larval stage had mortality rates of 96.6%, 65.8%, and 55.4%, respectively. The death rates for adult females were 41.8% and 38.2%, while for adult males, the rates were 33.1%, 45.0%, 44.1%, and 53.3%, respectively. The study demonstrated the potential of utilizing natural materials, specifically plant-derived substances, as alternatives to conventional pesticides for effectively managing stored grain pests, particularly lesser grain pests.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Phenolic compounds , Citrullus colocynthis , Rhyzopertha dominica. Mortality rate , Grain borer

Etik Beyan

There is no need to obtain permission from the ethics committee for this study.

Kaynakça

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