Some comparative effects of plant extracts from meliaceae family on the feeding activity, development and reproduction in locusta stomoxys, glossina, and aedes

Abstract

The extracts from four locally obtained plant, species of the family Meliaceae have been shown to have significant antifeedant activities against Locusta, Stomoxys, Glossina, and Aedes species. Melia azedarach, M. Volkensii and Azadirachta indica extracts further showed strong moulting deterrency and reduced oviposition in Locusta. Toona ciliata extract was comparatively less effective than the other three types of extracts. When wheat seedlings are sprayed or soaked in the extracts there is 90% protection from attack by Locusta. Guinea pigs were similarly protected from attack by the haematophagous insects mentioned above when smeared with the extracts'. • It is also concluded that in the insect species mentioned above.the plant extracts have a growth regulatory-effect both in ter~~s. of somatic growth, oviposition, hatchability and moult inhibition. For similar concentrations of the extracts the relative potency for the four plant species is A. indica > volkensii > azendarach >- ciliata . .