Variation in the susceptibility of Anopheles gambiae to botanicals across a metropolitan region of Nigeria

Pesticide resistance is normally associated with genetic changes, resulting in varied responses to insecticides between different populations. There is little evidence of resistance to plant allelochemicals; it is likely that their efficacy varies between genetically diverse populations, which may lead to the development of resistance in the future. This study evaluated the response of Anopheles gambiae (larvae and adults) from spatially different populations to acetone extracts of two botanicals, Piper guineense and Eugenia aromatica. Mosquito samples from 10 locations within Akure metropolis in Southwest Nigeria were tested for variation in susceptibility to the toxic effect of botanical extracts. The spatial distribution of the tolerance magnitude (T.M.) of the mosquito populations to the botanicals was also mapped. The populations of An. gambiae manifested significant differences in their level of tolerance to the botanicals. The centre of the metropolis was the hot spot of tolerance to the botanicals. There was a significant positive correlation between the adulticidal activities of both botanicals and initial knockdown. Hence, knockdown by these botanicals could be a predictor of their subsequent mortality. In revealing variation in response to botanical pesticides, our work has demonstrated that any future use of botanicals as alternative environmentally friendly vector control chemicals needs to be closely monitored to ensure that resistance does not develop

Effectiveness of botanical preparations for the control of rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae) during rice seed storage and their impact on the rice seed viability : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Science in Seed Technology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Food security and the maintenance of seed quality from harvest to planting are key issues for peasant farmers. In Sierra Leone, up to 28% of rice seed can be damaged by rice weevil in the six months storage period. The use of chemical insecticides to control this insect is not practical for traditional farmers. Some tribes use pepper powder (Capsicum spp.) as a seed protectant. In this study, I have compared the effects of neem (Azadirachta indica) oil, neem powder, pepper (Capsicum frutescens cv. "Habanero") powder and lentil (Lens culinaris cv. "Raja") powder on the survival of adult rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae) and weevil offspring during rice (Oryza spp.) seed storage, and on the germination of the rice. Treatment of stored rice with neem oil, neem powder and lentil powder gave some protection from rice weevil damage. Neem oil at the rate of 0.005ml/kg rice seed effectively controlled weevil damage without reducing the seed germination. Lentil and neem powders at the rate of 0.02g/kg rice seed gave effective protection against rice weevil damage with no reduction in viability of the seeds. Pepper powder did not kill adult rice weevil. Neem oil reduced the development of weevil offspring in rice seed, but the powders of neem, lentil and pepper did not. Low relative humidity of 42.5% in seed storage environment and a reduction in seed moisture content below 10% enhanced the mortality of adult rice weevils on rice seed

Toxic effect of Raphia vinifera on fish leech (Piscicola geometra)

This study examines acute toxicity of Raphia vinifera on fish leech, Piscicola geometra. The leeches with a mean total length of (TL) 4.2+1.0cm were exposed to various concentrations of both crude powdered and ethanolic extracts of the botanical. Median lethal concentration (LC50) was determined with static-renewal tests using logarithmic and arithmetic graphic methods. The LC50 (for 96 hours of crude powdered (aqueous) extracts of the botanical on Piscicola geometra was 1.10 ppm arithmetically and 1.14ppm logarithmically. The 95% confidence limits was 0.10ppm arithmetically and 0.12ppm logarithmically. The LC50 of ethanolic extract of the poison at 96-h was 0.5ppm arithmetically and 0.48ppm logarithmically. The 95% confidence limits were less than 0.10ppm. The use of extracts of R. vinifera in the control of leeches in fish ponds is discusse

Response to “Radiation Therapeutic Gain and Asian Botanicals,” by Stephen Sagar

Numerous botanical agents, many of which are used in whole medical system practices (i.e. traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, etc.), have been shown to exhibit radiomodifying effects on tumors and normal tissues in-vitro and invivo studies. Some of these agents can enhance the therapeutic gain of radiation therapy by either acting as a radiosensitizer to tumor cells and/or as a radioprotector to normal cells. Botanical agents are comprised of multiple phytochemical compounds that may work individually or synergistically to not only improve radiation therapy outcomes, but may also exhibit a variety of anti-cancer effects as well. It will be important to evaluate these botanicals for efficacy, tumor specificity, and safety profiles before they can be recommended during radiation therapy

First experiences in the application of biopreparations against the cherry fruit fly in Southern Russia in 2007

On the Russian market there are no currently registered biological preparations for the control of Rhagoletis cerasi (cherry fruit fly, CFF), and therefore the effects of natural products against this pest were studied. In laboratory, semi-field and field experiments a range of botanicals (NeemAzal-T/S and Quassia-MD) were tested alone and in combination with comparison product Phytoverm and chemical standard insecticides for their effectiveness against R. cerasi in commercial orchards. These products showed a high biological effectiveness against R. cerasi comparable with chemical insecticides

Integrated Pest and Disease Management in Tomato: An Economic Analysis

The adoption of IPM technology in tomato using African marigold as a trap crop, root dipping of seedlings in Imidacloprid, soil application of neem/pongamia cake, spraying of botanicals like pongamia soap and biopesticide like Ha NPV has been found effective in both insect as well as disease management. The IPM technology has been found economically viable as the yield on IPM farms has been found higher by about 46 per cent, cost of cultivation has been less by about 21 per cent and the net returns have been higher by 119 per cent. The technology can be considered environment-friendly as it uses more of eco-friendly inputs and less of chemicals. The constraints like non-availability of botanicals and bio-pesticides should be addressed on priority basis to make the technology sustainable and more popular.Agricultural and Food Policy,

Ethnobotanical survey of pesticidal plants used in South Uganda : case study of Masaka district

Use of synthetic pesticides in developing countries is not only limited by their being expensive but also the small (uneconomic) fields whose limited production costs cannot offset costs of agricultural implements like agro-chemicals. Subsistence farmers, therefore, have no choice but to use local methods of controlling pests, one of which is the use of traditional and of late introduced pesticidal plants' extracts. In this study, whose main objective was to record all pesticidal plants used in Southern Uganda, Masaka district, it was established that thirty four species belonging to eighteen families are currently used in traditional plant production. Most useful species were Azadirachta indica and Tagetes minuta while the most frequently cited families were Meliaceae and Euphorbiaceae. It was noted that of the plant species recorded, some plants like A. indica, Melia azedarach, and T. minuta are already scientifically established pesticidal plants whereas others like Euphorbia tirucalli, Bidens pilosa, Vernonia amygdalina may be known for other uses but not for this purpose and hence the need for their efficacy evaluation. Some important pesticidal plants like Abrus precatorius, Euphorbia candelabrum and Phoenix reclinata were reportedly becoming increasingly rare and would need conservation. The need to carry out such surveys in order to obtain inventories was observed and recording this knowledge before it disappears with the aging farmers was seen as urgent

Do Pesticide Hazards to Human Health and Beneficial Insects Cause or Result from IPM Adoption? Mixed Messages from Farmer Field Schools in Nicaragua

This paper analyzes the interaction between farmer training in pest management and effects on acute pesticide poisoning and populations of beneficial insects in Nicaragua. Using farm level data from Nicaraguan bean growers, including graduates of Farmer Field Schools (FFS), other integrated pest management (IPM) outreach methods, and farmers without exposure to IPM, we found that small farmers are influenced by pesticide-related acute illness experiences when adopting IPM practices and making decisions about pesticide use. However, exposure to IPM extension programs failed to reduce the use of highly toxic pesticides and increased the number of self-reported acute illness symptoms during the most recent bean crop season. IPM training did result in growth of beneficial insect populations.ecosystem service, integrated pest management, agricultural extension, Nicaragua, Farm Management, Q16,

Conservation and Biodiversity Erosion in Ondo State, Nigeria: (2). Assessing Botanicals Used in the Storage of Farm Produce in Akure region

Semi-structured questionnaire matrix was used to identify plant species used for storage purposes in five communities situated within 5kilometre radius from Akure, the Ondo State capital, south-western Nigeria. A total of 32 botanical species were found to be commonly used in the preservation of farm produce in the study area. The leaves constituted the major part of the botanical that were widely utilised while the major farm produce common in the study area were kola nuts and bitter kola The descriptions of the indigenous knowledge of the various methods of application of the botanicals were identified and documented. Only nine of the botanicals were cultivated abundantly in the study area. The household farm, forest and common area constituted the major primary sources of the storage botanicals. Strategies that could ensure the continuous supply of the storage botanicals were proposed

Analysis of food supplement with unusual raspberry ketone content

In recent years food supplement market increased constantly, including slimming products and against obesity. The case of rasberry ketone (RK) is here reported. HPTLC and HPLC-DAD analyses on a marketed product containing raspberry juice evidenced an abnormal quantity of RK, not in accordance with the juice natural content. The reported data confirm the need of adequate controls on marketed food supplements and the necessity of a complete adherence between labelling and real constitution of the product. Practical Applications: Determining the natural origin and assuring the consumers' safety for raspberry-based food supplement