Efficiency of plants from the South of France used as traditional protectants of Phaseolus vulgaris L. against its bruchid Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say)

Abstract

The bean weevil Acanthoscelides obtectus Say is a major pest of Phaseolus vulgaris L. (kidney bean), one of the most important food pulses produced in South Western France. To protect the stored seeds against this pest, some farmers of this area traditionally used plants. The efficiency of these practices are tested and the effects of plants and botanicals on physiological behaviour of A. obtectus have been evaluated (ovipositional activity, growth inhibition and adult mortality). A statistical study shows significant differences in the tested plants (Allium sativum, Laurus nobilis, Tilia cordata sylvestris, Origanum serpyllum, Eucalyptus globulus, Cymbopogan nardus, Thymus vulgaris, Thymus serpyllum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Satureia hortensis). Plants from the family Labiatae provide the best direct and indirect insecticidal effect and among them, Origanum serpyllum is the most efficient.