Contribution à l’étude du pouvoir insecticide de Cleome arabica L. contre Tribolium castaneum dans la région de Ghardaïa

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the insecticidal effect of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Cleome arabica, a plant from southern Algeria (Metlili region), on Tribolium castaneum, a pest of stored food products. The extracts, obtained by maceration using distilled water and methanol, were tested through direct contact and ingestion. The results showed a higher extraction yield with methanol, but the aqueous extract proved to be more effective against T. castaneum, especially via contact. Mortality depended on the concentration, the mode of application, and the duration of exposure. At a high concentration (60 mg/mL), the aqueous extract induced significant mortality (>60%) after several days. These findings highlight the potential of Cleome arabica as a natural source of bioactive compounds, offering a promising alternative for the biological control of insects harmful to stored products.