EVALUATION OF APHANAMIXIS-POLYSTACHYA AS A SOURCE OF REPELLENTS, ANTIFEEDANTS, TOXICANTS AND PROTECTANTS IN STORAGE AGAINST TRIBOLIUM-CASTANEUM (HERBST)

Seed extracts of Aphanamixis polystachya Wall and Parker (pithraj) were evaluated for their repellent, antifeedant and contact toxicity to adults of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). The crude seed extracts were strong repellents and moderate feeding deterrents to T. castaneum. All extracts were toxic to beetles. The ethanol extract was the most toxic of four extracts tested and showed the lowest LD50 value. Ground leaves, barks and seeds were also tested for oviposition deterrency to T. castaneum. The ground leaves, bark and seeds in a 2.5% mixture provided some protection for wheat flour by reducing F1 progeny.