Evaluation of the Bio-insecticidal Activity of Myrtus comminus Against Tribolium castaneum

Özet

The use of synthetic insecticides to control insects of stored-product raises environmental and health concerns, driving the search for eco-friendly, plant-based alternatives. This study investigated the insecticidal and allelopathic properties of leaf powder from Myrtus communis against the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. After collecting, drying, and grinding the aerial parts of M. communis, three doses (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g per 10 g of durum wheat) were tested under laboratory conditions. Key parameters included insect mortality, grain consumption, damage severity, nymphal deformities, and seed germination. The leaf powder of M. communis at the highest dose reduced consumption rates to 0.46% for adults and 0.89% for larvae after 10 days of exposure. Grain damage was significantly reduced at all tested doses for both insect stages, compared to the control. At a dose of 1 g of M. communis, adult and larval mortality reached 96.66% and 86.66%, respectively, after 30 days. Myrtus communis induced malformations in 11% of newly emerged adults. However, the powder did not affect grain germination, and 100% of the tested grains germinated after 4 days. These results suggest that leaf powder from M. communis is an effective biopesticide for protecting stored grains without affecting seed germination.