EFFECT OF CASSIA FISTULA ON CERATOMA TRIFURCATA

Abstract

Bean leaf beetle (BLB) is one of the pests of concern of soybean. BLB larvae feed on soybean roots, particularly nodules and reduce leaf and pod nitrogen content. Adults feed on cotyledon, leaves and pods and reduce foliage. Foliage reduction showed a delay in canopy development and consequently, yield reduction. During pod fill, BLB may feed on the surface of pods. While larval feeding on root and defoliation due to adult beetle feeding affect soybean yield indirectly, pod feeding inflicts direct injury on yield. The feeding injury on the pod surface facilitates an entry point of bacterial and fungal infection. Additionally, the feeding injury to soybean pods exposes the seeds to excess moisture. The seeds in scarred pods may become shrunken, discolored and moldy. Thus pod surface feeding by BLB directly reduce yield weight and quality. Plant–derived extracts have long been a subject of research in an effort to develop alternatives to conventional insecticides and will continue to be an important source model of insecticides. So, to control the fecundity and viability the larvae and adults of Ceratoma trifurcata were treated with the seed extract of Cassia fistula which proved to be larvicidal and adulticidal in action. The potential application of this extract affects insect fertility and appeared to be an extremely promising approach in bio-insecticides direction while at the same time reduction of adverse environmental and health impacts associated with conventional insecticides/pesticides.