Fenugreek Seeds Extracts as Growth Regulatory and Feeding Inhibitor for the African Melon Lady Bird Beetle Henosepilachna elaterii (Rossi)

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the effect of the extracts of
fenugreek seeds on feeding and development of the African melon
ladybird beetle, Henosepilachna elaterii. (Rossi). Seeds of fenugreek
(Trigonella foenum-graceum) were extracted by distilled water and
organic solvents (chloroform, acetone and ethanol), and the extracts were
tested against the African melon ladybird beetle under laboratory
conditions. Both aqueous and organic extracts showed significant growth
regulatory activities, mainly prolonging the larval duration. The effect
was clear in late instars. The organic extracts showed strong feeding
inhibitory activity against the fourth larval instar, where the amounts of
food consumed inversely related to dose. The effects induced by acetone
and ethanol extracts were greater than chloroform extract. Phytochemical
groups present in various fractions were identified. Various aspects of
efficacy against the test insect are discussed