Effect of aqueous extracts of <i>Azadirachta indica</i> A. Juss, <i>Jatropha curcas L.</i> and <i>Moringa oleifera</i> Lam. on coffee berry borer (<i>Hypothenemus hampei</i> F.; Coleoptera: Scolytidae) in laboratory

Abstract

The coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) is the major pest of coffee crop. This beetle develops resistance against a wide range of insecticides. The  aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aqueous extracts of three plants (Moringa oleifera, Jatropha curcas and Azadirachta indica) on H. hampei  compared to the chemical insecticide Cypercal 50 EC (cypermethrin). Aqueous extracts of leaves and barks of these plants were applied at three  concentrations (400 mg/ml, 200 mg/ml, 100 mg/ml) on coffee berry borer grown in laboratory, according to a randomized block with five repetitions. The  results showed that all aqueous extracts of Moringa oleifera leaves and bark exhibit insecticidal effects on berry borer. Mortality rates of 80% and 60% of  berry borer were recorded after application of aqueous extracts of Moringa oleifera leaves and bark, at 400 mg/ml respectively. All three concentrations  (400 mg/ml, 200 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml) of aqueous leaf extracts and the 400 mg/ml concentration of Jatropha curcas bark caused 50% coffee berry borer  mortality. As for Azadirachta indica, only the concentration of 400 mg/ml of its barks and leaves aqueous extract caused 50% coffee berry borer  mortality. These aqueous extracts obtained from natural plants in Côte d'Ivoire could be a sustainable alternative to chemical insecticides which have  become ineffective against the coffee berry borer.