Stryphnodendron adstringens (MART.) Coville (barbatimão): Biopesticidal potential

Abstract

Introduction: Eco-friendly approach of management by using biopesticides is an alternative against synthetic chemicals, are naturally biodegradable, show different modes of action, less expensive, and possess less toxicity to living organisms. Objective: Laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate the biopesticidal potential  of extracts of Stryphnodendron adstringens against maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais), using four concentrations (15, 30, 60 and 100%) and also the phytotoxicity on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in the laboratory. Results: The results revealed that maize weevil mortality was increased with the increase in concentration, maximum mortality (92.0%) of the pest was observed with the use S. adstringens extract at 60 end 100% concentration, while phytotoxicity, the highest inhibitions were in 67.5 and 95.2%, respectively, for the radicle and hypocotyl in the highest concentration. Conclusion: When highly specified, the biopesticide obtained from S. adstringens can be benign in their human and environmental effects.

Key-words: Bioassay; Extract; Vigna unguiculata; Sitophilus zeamais.