Lethal effect of thiophene and phenol rich leaf extract from Ferula asafoetida on Dacus ciliatus (Loew)

Abstract

Studies were conducted to evaluate the toxicity of methanol (MeOH) extract from Ferula asafoetida Linn. (Umbelliferae) leaves on female adults and larvae of the lesser pumpkin fly, Dacus ciliatus (Diptera: Tephritidae). Direct-dip bioassays for larvae and topical bioassays for adults of fly were used to assess mortalities. Mortality increased significantly with rising concentrations. The intermediate lethal concentrations (LC50), calculated 7.3 mg/ml (7300 ppm) for larvae. The female adult LC50 was 409 µg/insect. The chemical composition of the isolated MeOH extract from Ferula asafoetida leaves was examined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The major compounds were 2, 3, 4, 5-Tetramethyl thiophene (22.1%), Phenol, 3-pentadecyl- (21.2%) and Mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (15.98%). The results suggested that the extract from the tested plant could be used as a potential control agent for this pest.