American Academic Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences
Abstract
Various insect acts as pests for crops and storage grains that cause lot of damage and economic losses. Common control agents are synthetic compounds that are unsafe for humans and environment. Certain parts of plants and herbs are historically used for their repellent activity against insects for grain storage and tree protection. In this context, this study was planned to investigate the repellent activity of extracts of clove, coriander, neem and mint against red flour beetle that cause damage to storage grains and other crops. Insect repellency was tested using multiple concentrations of the extracts. Results of this study demonstrated that these plant extracts proved to have effective repellent activity against the insect. The most effective extract was coriander followed by mint in various concentrations. 1.5 % concentration was found to be most effective. It is concluded from the results that these plants are natural sources of repellent material and hence are a potential source of natural / biological insect repellents
