ENTOMOTOXICANT POTENTIAL OF ARAK SHOOT EXTRACT FOR THE CONTROL OF EPHESTIA CAUTELLA

The date, palm, Phoenix dactylifera is the most significant agricultural product in the Middle East region, in which Saudi Arabia is ranked as the top producing country. One of the most critical problems facing date production is insect infestation. Ephestia cautella is one of the most harmful insects to date, causing significant damage. Different techniques have been used against E. cautella through the use of synthetic chemical pesticides, but they have a negative impact on the environment. Recently, research has been directed towards seeking alternatives to these methods.In the current study, a biological system using Salvadora persica shoot extract for the control of E.cautellahas been evaluated. To this end, mortality rates LD50 and LD90 were determined when the different concentrations of the plant extract were applied at different developmental stages (larvae, pupa, and adult male/female) over a period of three days. Furthermore, some chemical constituents of the plant extract were determined by preliminary chemical tests and by using Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results from current investigation have displayed that the mortality rate was dependent on both the developmental stage and concentrations of the plant extract. Total phenolics and the saponin content of the plant extract were detected. GC-MS analysis identified the potential chemical agents in the plant extract that may possess the insecticidal ability. In light of the current findings, it is clear that infestation of date palms by E.cautella can be controlled by using S. persica shoot extract. To optimize the implementation of this technique, we recommend that future research focus on testing other organic solvents and other plant parts so that the most biologically active biomolecules responsible for the control of E. cautella under date storage conditions can be accurately determined.