Bioactivity of homeopathic preparations and plant extracts on Acanthoscelides obtectus( Coleoptera: Bruchidae) in stored beans

Abstract

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of homeopathic preparations and plant extracts interfering the preference for oviposition of Acanthoscelides obtectus on black beans under laboratory conditions. Treatment consisted of beans treated with homeopathic preparations at 30 CH dinamization or Chenopodium ambrosioides, Taraxacum officinale, and isotherapic of A. obtectus, either alcoholics extracts of Artemisia absinthium, Ruta graveolens, and Rosmarinus officinalis. Experimental samples of 100 g were treated with 3 ml of homeopathic treatment or plant extract. Three bioassays with five replicates were performed by arenas, to release 200 adults of A.obtectus aged up to 24 hours. The counting of the insects along with the grains was made every 12 hours for 10days. Thirty five days after the infestation the emergence of progeny was measured. Bean grains treated with homeopathic preparations, and plant extracts do not cause repellency to adults of A.obtectus. However, homeopathic preparations reduce the progeny of the insect.