Evaluation of Nano-Castor Plant Extracts as an Insecticide for Controlling Callosobruchus maculatus

Abstract

The present study investigated the effect of using the nano-castor plant extract for the control of Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) during 2023-2024. The results obtained showed that the nano-castor plant extract had a significant effect on the insect’s biology, as they decreased the number to 10 eggs/female at the concentration of 0.007 % for the nano-castor oil compared to 110 eggs/female for the control. In addition, the extracts reduced the number of emerging insects from the eggs. The effect of each of the seeds and leaves extract and the castor oil on insect productivity (%) varied. Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant difference in the effect of castor oil on insect productivity compared to the rest of the extracts and the control experiment treatment, and all of that was reflected on the damage caused by insect infestation. The damage (%) caused following treatments with each of the seed and leaf extracts and oil reached 21.20%, 24.20%, and 15%, respectively. The effect of the treatments on seeds germination rate varied based on the concentrations used and type of extract, as compared to the control, and the difference was not significant.

Keywords:

Callosobruchus maculatus, insects, nano-castor oil, extracts, control.