Efficacy of the plant Centella asiatica(L.) Urb.(Apiaceae) on Callosobruchus chinensis L. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae)

Abstract

Effect of aqueous, ethanol and acetone extracts of leaves of Centella asiatica was tested against the beetle Callosobruchus chinensis. The efficacy of the extracts on the test insect was dose-dependent. The results showed that higher doses of the extracts were significantly more toxic to C. chinensis compared to lower doses. LD50 value was assessed using probit analysis. After 48 hours of extract exposure of the plant, total body protein, glycogen and total free amino acids and the enzyme transaminase of the insects analysed indicated that total body protein and glycogen was found increased compared to control, while total free amino acid decreased. The enzyme transaminase was found increased.