Botanical insecticides

In this study, the concentration dependent ovicidal effects of three botanicals were investigated on the eggs of Ephestia cautella. Three plants were selected for the experimental process, these include bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina), Neem leaf (Azadirachta indica) and Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata). Aqueous, alcohol and acetone extracts of the selected botanicals were prepared. Eggs of the insect Ephestia cautella were also collected and treated with the various extracts. The ovicidal activity of the various extract o the eggs of E. cautella was investigated after 96h and the percentage mortalities were estimated for the various extracts. Findings from the study revealed that for aqueous extract treatments, the highest percentage mortality 55.81% was recorded for treatments with aqueous extract of Siam weed while the lowest percentage mortality 6.97% was recorded for treatments with aqueous extract of Bitter leaf. For alcohol extracts treatments, the highest percentage mortality 20.00% was recorded for treatments with alcohol extract of Bitter leaf while the lowest percentage mortality 8% was recorded for treatments with alcohol extract of Neem leaf. Ovicidal effect of acetone extract on eggs of Ephestia cautella revealed that the highest percentage mortality 20.00% was recorded for treatments with acetone extract of Bitter leaf and Neem leaf. Aqueous extract of the botanicals were most effective in inhibiting the egg development of E. cautella. The study proved the efficacy of botanicals in preventing the growth and development of destructive plant pests such as Ephestia cautella. key words