Contact and fumigant activities of Citrullus colocynthis formulations against Callosobruchus chinensis (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Abstract

The efficacy of two different formulations of Citrullus colocynthis extracts (emulsifiable and powder) were tested as contact and fumigant toxicants against cowpea weevil adults, Callosobruchus chinensis. The emulsifiable concentrate showed repellent activity against the adults. No eggs were laid by females in the choice test at 1.0% concentration compared with 150.0 eggs in control. Using the same concentration, the females deposited 1.4 eggs in the non-choice test compared with 78.2 eggs in control. The concentration of 2.5 μl/38.5 ml air of citrullus emulsifiable caused 100% mortality to adults during one day in the fumigation test. Also, the vapor of citrullus emulsifiable was highly effective against eggs of cowpea weevil, where, at 2.5 μl/38.5 ml air, no eggs hatched. Both formulations affect the different biological aspects of cowpea weevil, however, citrullus emulsifiable concentrate was more potent than the citrullus powder.

Keywords:

• Citrullus colocynthis formulations
• cowpea weevil
• Callosobruchus chinensis
• repellent and toxicity effects