Abstract
The toxic effect of Abrus precatorius seeds powder against the wheat weevil Sitophilus granarius adults over a period of 14 days was studied. Data confirmed that, at all concentrations, the mortality percentage increased as the exposure period was prolonged and also as the applied concentration was increased. Seven days post-treatment the LC50 value was 0.12% (w/w). The correspondent value at 14 days was significantly decreased being 0.05% (w/w). Hence, A. precatorius seeds powder was toxic against S. granarius. The powder proved, also, that it had a repellent effect against the tested insect. The phytochemical investigation of A. precatorius seeds illustrated that it was rich in tannins, saponins and phenols. The LC50 and two higher concentrations of A. precatorius powder seeds were evaluated, also, against thirty-six adult males of Rattus rattus over a period of 30 days. Rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups 9 rats/ group. Rats of the first group were fed on grains mixed with LC50 (0.12%)of powder. The second group fed on grains mixed with 5% powder. The third group was on grains mixed with 10% powder. While the fourth group was fed on untreated grains as control. Three replicates were used in each group. Blood samples were obtained for haematological and biochemical analysis. Specimens of the liver, kidney, spleen, testis, and stomach were, also, taken for histopathological studies. The whole results showed that the powder of A. precatorius seedshas potential toxicity as shown by the effects it caused on the serum chemistry as well as on the changes noted on the studied organs.
Highlights
Stored grain insects and rats are the leading factors causing damage and losses of stored products (Keskin and Özkaya 2013)
Laboratory Conditions: The experiments were conducted in the laboratory at 30 ± 1 ° C. and 65 ± 5 % R.H. to evaluate the efficiency of A. precatorius seeds powder
After treatments by A. precatorius seeds powder are presented in Table (1)
Summary
Stored grain insects and rats are the leading factors causing damage and losses of stored products (Keskin and Özkaya 2013). One of the adverse effects of insecticides is killing the non-target organisms which feed on the pests. These environmental and health concerns highlight the need for new strategies to protect stored products from pest infestation. It can cause up to 5% of losses in stored crops This pest is commonly a cleverly hidden grain destroyer. Those, adversely, affect rural communities by damaging agricultural crops in the field by feeding and contaminating stored grains. The present study seeks to establish the possible toxic effects of A. precatorius seeds powder on Sitophilus granarius adults, and by using serum biochemistry and histopathology as indices of toxicities in the rat
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