Extracts of <i>Melia azedarach</i> Increases Mulberry Whitefly Mortality without Affecting Silkworm Survivorship

Abstract

Melia azedarach L. extracts were studied in comparison with selected synthetic insecticides against the mulberry whiteflies Pealiusma chili and P. mori under laboratory conditions. Morus alba (cv. "Early Spring") leaves infested by mulberry whiteflies were exposed to Melia extracts of green fruits, l-cyhalothrin (10% a.i.) and control.Also, white mulberry leaves after treatment with the same insecticides were provided to silkworms for consumption. Results have shown that there were significant differences in the nymphal mortality of the whiteflies among treatments. Melia extracts and l-cyhalothrin were effective in increasing whitefly mortality 24 h after application. Furthermore, Melia extracts didn't affect silkworm survivorship, which was severely affected by l-cyhalothrin treatment, since all the silkworms fed on treated leaves were found dead. Thus, these extracts might be considered a potential alternative in management of the mulberry whiteflies.

The Role of Ethanolic Extracts of Leaves and Roots of <i>Lantana camara</i> (L.) in the Management of Pests of Okra <i>Abelmoschus esculentus</i> (L.) Moench

“…Three of the best-known plants with pest control properties are Azadirachta indica (A. Juss), Melia azedarach (L.) and Lantana camara (L.). Extracts from mature fruits of M. azedarach showed insecticidal effects against mulberry whiteflies Tetraleurodes mori Quaintance [8]. Similarly, extracts from the leaves of L. camara have been shown to exhibit antimicrobial, fungicidal, insecticidal and nematicidal activities [9].…”