Evaluation of Insecticidal and Repellent Effects of Two Plant Extracts, Acacia and Neem Against Red Flour Beetle (Tribolium castaneum)

Efficacy of neem (Azadirachta indica) and acacia (Acacia auriculiformis) extract was assessed on the basis of toxicity and repellency effects by red flour beetle. The study followed a completely randomized design with three replications. Plant extracts concentrations were 5%, 7.5%, and 10% and control (only solvent treated). The results revealed that neem leaf extract, particularly at 10%, exhibited the highest efficacy, showing 53.94% adult mortality and 49.99% repellency against red flour beetle. In contrast, 5% of the acacia leaf extract demonstrated the lowest mortality (23.09%) and repellency (26.53%). The effectiveness of both extracts increased with higher concentrations, neem showing superior activity compared to acacia. These findings suggest that neem leaf extract, especially at higher concentrations, could serve as a promising, eco-friendly alternative for controlling red flour beetle infestations in stored grains.