Andalasian International Journal of Entomology
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026)

Insecticidal activity of Euphorbia ingens latex against the saw-toothed beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) under laboratory conditions

Mohale Mathole (Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University)
Pieter King (Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 Oct 2026

Abstract

Plant-derived products are reported as potential eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic insecticides. Euphorbia ingens (Euphorbiaceae) is a latex-bearing species with reported insecticidal properties. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition of E. ingens latex and its insecticidal and repellent properties against Oryzaephilus surinamensis. The total terpenoid and alkaloid contents were estimated spectrophotometrically. Insecticidal activity was assessed using dipping and contact residual methods, whereas repellency was evaluated using a dual-choice apparatus. The total alkaloid and terpenoid content within E. ingens latex extracts were determined at 372.64 ± 80.76 mg atropine equivalents g-1 and 36.09 ± 1.08 mg linalool equivalents g-1, respectively. The insecticidal and repellent properties of E. ingens latex against O. surinamensis increased with increasing concentrations and time. The LC50 values of E. ingens latex against O. surinamensis were determined at 2.67 and 3.39% (v/v) using dipping and contact residual methods, respectively. The corresponding standard errors were evaluated at 2.67 ± 0.729 and 3.39 ± 1.460 (v/v), respectively. Furthermore, the repellency percentage at an exposure time of 3 hr ranged from 15.00 ± 5,77% at 15% concentration to 76.67 ± 8.82% at 85%. At 6 hr, the repellent activity further increased, ranging from the 20.00±5.77% to 83.33±8.82% across the same concentrations. E. ingens latex has alkaloid and terpenoid content and insecticidal and repellent activity against O. surinamensis.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

aijent

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology

Description

Andalasian International Journal of Entomology (AIJENT) mainly focuses on insects in agriculture, forestry, human and animal health. Detailed scopes of articles accepted for submission to AIJENT are study of the biosystematics, biology, physiology, behaviour, ecology, pest management, conservation, ...