ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Figure from article: Pesticidal activity of...
 
HIGHLIGHTS
  • • Botanical extracts tested as eco-friendly alternatives to manage Euscelis sp
  • • Extracts matched parastar in Euscelis sp. control, proving eco-friendly potential
  • • Plant extracts boosted Apis mellifera foraging, unlike synthetic insecticides
  • • Peak Apis mellifera foraging: 10–11 AM (rainy) & 12–1 PM (dry), linked to blooms
  • • Botanical extracts aid pest control & pollinator safety, boosting basil seed yield
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ABSTRACT
In recent years, researchers have increasingly focused on using secondary compounds from plant extracts as potential alternatives to synthetic insecticides, which can harm biodiversity, including pollinators. This study evaluated the effectiveness of aqueous leaf extracts from Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Carica papaya L. and Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.BR. on the population density of Euscelis sp. and the foraging behavior of Apis mellifera Linnaeus in a basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) field during both the rainy and dry seasons. Trials were carried out using a RCBD with four replications: three plant extracts x one positive control (parastar) x one negative control x four groups of flowers (1: exposed to all pollinators, 2: protected from insects, 3: exposed only to A. mellifera and 4: uncovered without insect visits). Results showed that all botanical extracts exhibited insecticidal effects comparable to parastar against Euscelis sp. Among the 11 pollinator species recorded, A. mellifera was the most frequent visitor, foraging throughout the day with activity peaking at 10–11 AM during the dry season and 12–1 PM during the rainy season. The highest abundance of A. mellifera per 1000 flowers was recorded in the C. papaya treatment, which significantly improved seed yield. These results suggest that the tested botanical extracts are promising eco-friendly alternatives for integrated pest management, helping to reduce the risks of synthetic insecticides to pollinators and enhance basil seed production.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors have declared that no conflict of interests exist.
eISSN:1899-007X
ISSN:1427-4345
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