Cost effective natural treatment against infestation by Tribolium castaneum in stored food products

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to test the repurpose of Artemisia annua Linn. dry leaf therapy (ALT) tablets of var. Sanjeevani and Jeevan Raksha for the control of Tribolium castaneum. Methods: 600 mg ALT tablets and 600 mg ALT + PSP (Piper nigrum seed powder) tablets (ALT powder and PSP in 5:1 proportion) were investigated to assess the survival and growth of T. castaneum feeding on wheat flour. Results: The progeny adults were found to be produced with about 57% and 38% less frequency in the jars containing ALT tablet of var. Sanjeevani and Jeevan Raksha, respectively, as compared to the control jars. Similarly, 12% of the insects died in the presence of ALT var. Jeevan Raksha tablet, the mortality was 18% higher in the presence of ALT var. Sanjeevani tablet. Likewise, 24% of the insects died in the presence of ALT var. Jeevan Raksha + PSP tablet, the mortality was 33% higher in the presence of ALT var. Sanjeevani + PSP tablet. The life cycle of T. castaneum was attenuated by var. Jeevan Raksha ALT and its ALT + PSP tablets in such a way that progeny size was reduced by these treatments as compared to control by 36% and 67%, respectively, whereas, var. Sanjeevani ALT and its ALT + PSP tablets reduced progeny size by 49% and 77%, respectively. Conclusion: It was found that var. Sanjeevani ALT + PSP tablets were more effective than other tablets against growth and survival of T. castaneum insect and thus provide a highly effective and low-cost means of controlling T. castaneum infestation on food materials, especially in an Indian household.