The use of plant extracts as insecticides against vector insects serves as a perfect alternative to conventional methods.This study was carried out to assess the chemical composition and efficacy of Chromolaena odorat...The use of plant extracts as insecticides against vector insects serves as a perfect alternative to conventional methods.This study was carried out to assess the chemical composition and efficacy of Chromolaena odorata L.and Ocimum gratissimum L.in the control of adult houseflies.C.odorata and O.gratissimum were extracted with cold water and applied at four concentrations(5,10,40 and 100%v/v)in different bioassays(contact,fumigant and feeding-deterrent).A synthetic insecticide(Lambdacyhalothrin)and an untreated control were included in the treatments.The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with three replicates.The phytochemical compositions of the tested plant extracts were determined via gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry(GC‒MS).Mortality data were recorded at the stipulated times(1,2,4,6,8 and 24 h),and the means were separated via Duncan’s multiple range test at a 5%probability.GC‒MS revealed different chemical compounds,and eugenol,n-hexadecanoic acid,caryophyllene,phytol,humulene,9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid,(Z,Z,Z)-,squalene,and stigmasterol compounds,among others,were identified as active insecticidal compounds.The tested plant extracts were effective against the studied insects,which suggested synergistic action of the observed natural chemicals in the plant extracts used.Moreover,the two plant extracts did not kill the studied insects faster than the synthetic insecticide did,but 100%mortality was observed after 12 h of exposure to the plant extracts.The mode of application and concentration played a significant role in the toxicity of the plant extracts,with the feeding mode of application resulting in greater toxicity effects than the fumigant and contact bioassays at the highest concentration.However,O.gratissimum exhibited better insecticidal control than C.odorata extracts did.Therefore,the use of crude plant extracts as insecticides could serve as substitutes for lambdachyalothrin in the control of houseflies,especially in animal rearing facilities and in the human population.展开更多
The insecticidal efficacy of aqueous extracts of R. communis L. and Z. officinales L. was tested in a field study for the control of two important leaf defoliators （Podagrica uniformis and Nisotra sjostedti of okra）...The insecticidal efficacy of aqueous extracts of R. communis L. and Z. officinales L. was tested in a field study for the control of two important leaf defoliators （Podagrica uniformis and Nisotra sjostedti of okra）. The extracts were applied at 10% （w/v） and sprayed every week for five consecutive weeks. R. communis significantly reduced （P〈0.05） abundance of the pests on the 2nd day after spraying and increased the yield of okra. Numbers of fruits and weight yields were significantly higher in plots treated with R. communis compared to plots treated with Z. officinales and the untreated control. R. communis had the same weight yield with Karate （synthetic insecticides）. The results indicated that R. communis could be used to control Podagrica uniformis and Nisotra sjostedti of okra.展开更多
The effect of crude oil pollution on heavy metal content in the soil, microbial population, and growth performance of maize and cowpea was investigated. The heavy metals determined were lead, cadmium, iron, nickel, zi...The effect of crude oil pollution on heavy metal content in the soil, microbial population, and growth performance of maize and cowpea was investigated. The heavy metals determined were lead, cadmium, iron, nickel, zinc and copper. Microbial population and growth performance of maize and cowpea in both polluted and unpolluted soils samples were evaluated. Results showed that higher concentration of heavy metals was observed in all crops planted in polluted soil, polluted site vegetation and soils. The total heterotrophic bacteria was 89% lower in the polluted soil than in the unpolluted soil while fungi was 78% lower in the polluted soil when compared to the unpolluted soil. However, hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria and fungi was 22% and 24% higher in the polluted soil than in the unpolluted soil respectively. Maize and Cowpea performed poorly in polluted soil when compared with unpolluted soil as evidenced in the growth parameters measured for both crops.展开更多
The experiment was conducted mainly to investigate the effect of change in sowing dates on disease severity of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L) leaf spot caused by Coniella musaiensis Var hibisci, plant height, number ...The experiment was conducted mainly to investigate the effect of change in sowing dates on disease severity of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L) leaf spot caused by Coniella musaiensis Var hibisci, plant height, number of branches, number of fruits and calyx yield of Roselle (H. sabdariffa L). Five dates were selected with an interval of fourteen days (14) between the dates for two years (2003 and 2004) to determine the most appropriate time to sow the crop using two Roselle accessions;green (Acc1) and red (Acc3).The first date was determined by the establishment of the rains in the season. It was observed that change in sowing dates had significant (p = 0.05) effect on disease severity but not on plant height, number of branches, number of fruits and calyx yield. Plants sown on July 18/27 had lowest disease indices;and are thus the best and therefore recommended for cropping of Roselle.展开更多
Essential oil （EO） of Nigeria-grown Lippia adoensis leaf was analyzed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry （GCMS） and its fumigant and repellent properties against Callosobruchus maculatus were evaluated. Si...Essential oil （EO） of Nigeria-grown Lippia adoensis leaf was analyzed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry （GCMS） and its fumigant and repellent properties against Callosobruchus maculatus were evaluated. Sixteen compounds predominated by monoterpenes were identified. The major compounds were Eucalyptol （28.36%）, α-Terpineol （25.99%）, γ-Terpinene （15.24%）, α-Pinene （5.08%）, 1H-Cyclopropa[a]naphthalene （4.25%） and 1, 3, 6, 10-Dodeeatetraene （3.74%）. Percentage mortality due to fumigant toxicity was dose- and exposure period-dependent. One hour after treatment （HAT）, application of L. adoensis leaf EO at 107 μL· L^-1 air caused significantly （p〈0.05） higher mortality （50.00%） than 0.00% mortality observed at 0-53 μL· L^-1 air, but not significantly （p〉0.05） different from 22.50% observed in 80 μL· L^-1 air. At 3 HAT, application ofL. adoensis EO at 80 μL· L^-1 air caused significantly higher mortality （90.00 %） than mortality observed at 0 μL· L^-1 air. At 6 HAT, application of L. adoensis EO at 53-107 μL· L^-1 air caused significantly higher mortality （100.00 %） than that was observed in the control. The same trend was observed at 12 HAT where 100 % mortality observed in 27-107 μL· L^-1 air was significantly greater than 13.33 % observed in the control. At 3 HAT, percentage repellence was significantly （p〈0.05） affected by doses. Application of EO at 10-30 μL· cm^2 caused class V repellence （86.67%-100%） compared with the control which caused class I repellence （0-20%）.展开更多
The allelopathic effect of three tree species (Azardiracta indica, Vitellaria paradoxa, and Parkia bi-globosa) on germination and growth of cowpea was investigated in the Southern Guinea Savannah agro ecological zone ...The allelopathic effect of three tree species (Azardiracta indica, Vitellaria paradoxa, and Parkia bi-globosa) on germination and growth of cowpea was investigated in the Southern Guinea Savannah agro ecological zone of Nigeria. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three (3) replicates. Data were collected on germination, plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, number of branches, root length, the above grand biomass and the below grand biomass and were subjected to statistical analysis using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) while the significant mean was separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% possibility level. Results showed that the tree species brought about considerable inhibition in the germination of cowpea seeds and in its growth parameters. The statistical germination value of the cowpea seeds under the tree species had decreased value thus indicating that growth inhibitions were seriously felt. It was apparent that Parkia biglobosa (53.33) and Vitellaria paradoxa (60.00) had more inhibitory effect on cowpea seeds germinability than that of Azardiracta indica. (63.33) while all the treatments are lower than that of control (100). The tree species had similar inhibition capability in the cowpea plant height, stem circumference, number of leaves, above grand biomass and below grand biomass. However, in all treatment, statistic showed that there is no significant difference (p < 0.05) among the means.展开更多
Pot experiment was carried out in the screen house, Ladoke Akintola University Technology Ogbomosho, Nigeria to determine the possible impact of Tithonia diversifolia on the growth of thirteen selected weed species we...Pot experiment was carried out in the screen house, Ladoke Akintola University Technology Ogbomosho, Nigeria to determine the possible impact of Tithonia diversifolia on the growth of thirteen selected weed species weeds growing in its surroundings. The study consisted of two treatments (Tithonia diversifolia infested and Non-Tithonia diversifolia infested soils) and from the two media, the growth of A. hispidium, B. pilosa E. heterophylla, P. maximum and P. polystachion was significantly affected in soil infested by T. diversifolia. The number of weed seedling emergence afore mentioned was significantly lower than what was obtained in soil not infested with T. diversifolia and this accounted for about 38% of the tested weed species. Germination of four of these weeds species (23%) (A. spinosus, C. viscosa, T. procumbens and D. gayana) was enhanced by the presence of T. diversifolia. The study further revealed that weed counts in T. diversifolia infested soil is significantly lower than the ones in soil without T. diversifolia infestation. Likewise, the vegetative growth of some species (A. spinosus, C. viscosa, T. procumbens and D. gayana) was improved in this soil. This shows that T. diversifolia infested soil contains allelochemicals that performed both stimulatory and inhibitory functions.展开更多
An investigation of effect of Latana camara, Tephrosia vogelii and Zingiber officinale applied at 5%, 10% and 25% concentrations on flea beetle of cabbage was conducted on the Teaching and Research Farm of the Ladoke ...An investigation of effect of Latana camara, Tephrosia vogelii and Zingiber officinale applied at 5%, 10% and 25% concentrations on flea beetle of cabbage was conducted on the Teaching and Research Farm of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso in the early seasons of 2011 and 2012. The experiment consisted of 11 treatments laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design （RCBD） with three replications. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and significant means were compared using the Least Significant Difference （LSD） at p〈0.05. All the tested plant extracts exhibited moderate efficacy in the control of flea beetle. The treatment plant extracts performed as well as synthetic insecticides （0.76±0.05 and 0.76±0.05, respectively）. It was discovered that 25% w/v of Z. officinale gave the best yield of 0.50 kg · hm-2. The result showed that extract of T. vogelii （0.71±0.00） and L. camara （0.96±0.23） could suppress flea beetle population at different hours of spraying, while Z. officinale showed an effect at 48 HAS （0.71±0.00） and 72 HAS （0.76±0.05） alter spraying.展开更多
To reduce the risks associated with over-dependence on synthetic insecticides and ensure leguminous food security, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the potentials of integrating Piper guineense essential oil （...To reduce the risks associated with over-dependence on synthetic insecticides and ensure leguminous food security, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the potentials of integrating Piper guineense essential oil （PgEO） with cowpea varietal resistance in the control of cowpea seed beetle, Callosobruehus maculatus Fabricius. Four cowpea varieties （Sokoto, Drum, Oloyin and Gwallam） were studied. Data collected included oviposition, progeny emergence, Reproductive Efficiency （RE） and Percentage Seed Damage （PSD）. At first filial generation, numbers of eggs laid on Oloyin variety treated with 25 μL PgEO per 25 g cowpea seeds （2.15） were significantly （p〈0.05） lower than the values obtained in untreated cowpea （3.61） and hexane-treated seeds （3.07）. C. maculatus RE on Oloyin （33.73） was significantly （p〈0.05） lower than values obtained on other varieties （47.34-54.67） for seeds without PgEO; and were significantly greater than 0.00 observed on Oloyin seeds treated with 50 pL PgEO. PSD on Oloyin （6.63%） was significantly （p〈0.05） lower than the values obtained on Sokoto （10.04%） and Drum （9.79%） for seeds without PgEO, while there was no damage in Oloyin treated with 50 pL PgEO. Significantly （p〈0.05） lower F2 progeny emergence occurred on Oloyin （4.02） and Sokoto （4.71） compared with Drum （9.03） and Gwallam （6.07） from the untreated cowpea seeds. The results implied that application of PgEO to Oloyin gave better protection from infestation of C. maculatus than other varieties. Hence, combination of varietal resistance with PgEO for management ofbruchid could be an effective mean of improving cowpea food security.展开更多
The study revealed the safety of Dennettia tripetala seed on man and the environment.Adult male rats weighing 0.158-0.168 kg housed in standard cages with free access to food and water were used for the experiments.Th...The study revealed the safety of Dennettia tripetala seed on man and the environment.Adult male rats weighing 0.158-0.168 kg housed in standard cages with free access to food and water were used for the experiments.The median lethal dose(LD50)was estimated using revised up and down procedure.The LD50 for D.tripetala seed extract was 5785 mg/kg and this evoked paralysis in rats for 4 days coupled with discharge from the eyes and eventual death.The least weight gain by the animals administered 75%seed powder of D.tripetala(4338.75 mg/kg)was an index of high powder concentration,whereas the weight loss experienced by group V animals is strongly attributed to chemical assault by permethrin designated as a standard insecticide.The high values of alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),and urea in the groups administered 75%permethrin powder(4338.75 mg/kg)and 75%D.tripetala seed powder is an index of liver and kidney injury and dysfunction.The presence of normal serum levels of ALT,AST,alkaline phosphatase,and creatinine;normal liver and kidney structures;and normal weight gains in the animal groups fed basal diet(control)and basal diet plus 25%D.tripetala is a strong indication that 25%D.tripetala seed powder(1446.25 mg/kg)supplementation is not toxic to the liver and kidney and therefore supports normal organ functions.The LD50 recorded strongly indicates that D.tripetala has a moderately high safety margin.Supplementation of less than 50%(2892.5 mg/kg)is recommended in the safe use of the plant material as grain protectant,food,and medicine.The botanical insecticide,D.tripetala,is safer than the conventional synthetic insecticide,permethrin,on account of the latter showing evidence of kidney damage.展开更多
文摘The use of plant extracts as insecticides against vector insects serves as a perfect alternative to conventional methods.This study was carried out to assess the chemical composition and efficacy of Chromolaena odorata L.and Ocimum gratissimum L.in the control of adult houseflies.C.odorata and O.gratissimum were extracted with cold water and applied at four concentrations(5,10,40 and 100%v/v)in different bioassays(contact,fumigant and feeding-deterrent).A synthetic insecticide(Lambdacyhalothrin)and an untreated control were included in the treatments.The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with three replicates.The phytochemical compositions of the tested plant extracts were determined via gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry(GC‒MS).Mortality data were recorded at the stipulated times(1,2,4,6,8 and 24 h),and the means were separated via Duncan’s multiple range test at a 5%probability.GC‒MS revealed different chemical compounds,and eugenol,n-hexadecanoic acid,caryophyllene,phytol,humulene,9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid,(Z,Z,Z)-,squalene,and stigmasterol compounds,among others,were identified as active insecticidal compounds.The tested plant extracts were effective against the studied insects,which suggested synergistic action of the observed natural chemicals in the plant extracts used.Moreover,the two plant extracts did not kill the studied insects faster than the synthetic insecticide did,but 100%mortality was observed after 12 h of exposure to the plant extracts.The mode of application and concentration played a significant role in the toxicity of the plant extracts,with the feeding mode of application resulting in greater toxicity effects than the fumigant and contact bioassays at the highest concentration.However,O.gratissimum exhibited better insecticidal control than C.odorata extracts did.Therefore,the use of crude plant extracts as insecticides could serve as substitutes for lambdachyalothrin in the control of houseflies,especially in animal rearing facilities and in the human population.
文摘The insecticidal efficacy of aqueous extracts of R. communis L. and Z. officinales L. was tested in a field study for the control of two important leaf defoliators （Podagrica uniformis and Nisotra sjostedti of okra）. The extracts were applied at 10% （w/v） and sprayed every week for five consecutive weeks. R. communis significantly reduced （P〈0.05） abundance of the pests on the 2nd day after spraying and increased the yield of okra. Numbers of fruits and weight yields were significantly higher in plots treated with R. communis compared to plots treated with Z. officinales and the untreated control. R. communis had the same weight yield with Karate （synthetic insecticides）. The results indicated that R. communis could be used to control Podagrica uniformis and Nisotra sjostedti of okra.
文摘The effect of crude oil pollution on heavy metal content in the soil, microbial population, and growth performance of maize and cowpea was investigated. The heavy metals determined were lead, cadmium, iron, nickel, zinc and copper. Microbial population and growth performance of maize and cowpea in both polluted and unpolluted soils samples were evaluated. Results showed that higher concentration of heavy metals was observed in all crops planted in polluted soil, polluted site vegetation and soils. The total heterotrophic bacteria was 89% lower in the polluted soil than in the unpolluted soil while fungi was 78% lower in the polluted soil when compared to the unpolluted soil. However, hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria and fungi was 22% and 24% higher in the polluted soil than in the unpolluted soil respectively. Maize and Cowpea performed poorly in polluted soil when compared with unpolluted soil as evidenced in the growth parameters measured for both crops.
文摘The experiment was conducted mainly to investigate the effect of change in sowing dates on disease severity of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L) leaf spot caused by Coniella musaiensis Var hibisci, plant height, number of branches, number of fruits and calyx yield of Roselle (H. sabdariffa L). Five dates were selected with an interval of fourteen days (14) between the dates for two years (2003 and 2004) to determine the most appropriate time to sow the crop using two Roselle accessions;green (Acc1) and red (Acc3).The first date was determined by the establishment of the rains in the season. It was observed that change in sowing dates had significant (p = 0.05) effect on disease severity but not on plant height, number of branches, number of fruits and calyx yield. Plants sown on July 18/27 had lowest disease indices;and are thus the best and therefore recommended for cropping of Roselle.
基金Supported by the Senate of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH)Ogbomoso,Nigeria Under the University Senate Research(LAU/SRG/13/045)
文摘Essential oil （EO） of Nigeria-grown Lippia adoensis leaf was analyzed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry （GCMS） and its fumigant and repellent properties against Callosobruchus maculatus were evaluated. Sixteen compounds predominated by monoterpenes were identified. The major compounds were Eucalyptol （28.36%）, α-Terpineol （25.99%）, γ-Terpinene （15.24%）, α-Pinene （5.08%）, 1H-Cyclopropa[a]naphthalene （4.25%） and 1, 3, 6, 10-Dodeeatetraene （3.74%）. Percentage mortality due to fumigant toxicity was dose- and exposure period-dependent. One hour after treatment （HAT）, application of L. adoensis leaf EO at 107 μL· L^-1 air caused significantly （p〈0.05） higher mortality （50.00%） than 0.00% mortality observed at 0-53 μL· L^-1 air, but not significantly （p〉0.05） different from 22.50% observed in 80 μL· L^-1 air. At 3 HAT, application ofL. adoensis EO at 80 μL· L^-1 air caused significantly higher mortality （90.00 %） than mortality observed at 0 μL· L^-1 air. At 6 HAT, application of L. adoensis EO at 53-107 μL· L^-1 air caused significantly higher mortality （100.00 %） than that was observed in the control. The same trend was observed at 12 HAT where 100 % mortality observed in 27-107 μL· L^-1 air was significantly greater than 13.33 % observed in the control. At 3 HAT, percentage repellence was significantly （p〈0.05） affected by doses. Application of EO at 10-30 μL· cm^2 caused class V repellence （86.67%-100%） compared with the control which caused class I repellence （0-20%）.
文摘The allelopathic effect of three tree species (Azardiracta indica, Vitellaria paradoxa, and Parkia bi-globosa) on germination and growth of cowpea was investigated in the Southern Guinea Savannah agro ecological zone of Nigeria. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three (3) replicates. Data were collected on germination, plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, number of branches, root length, the above grand biomass and the below grand biomass and were subjected to statistical analysis using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) while the significant mean was separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% possibility level. Results showed that the tree species brought about considerable inhibition in the germination of cowpea seeds and in its growth parameters. The statistical germination value of the cowpea seeds under the tree species had decreased value thus indicating that growth inhibitions were seriously felt. It was apparent that Parkia biglobosa (53.33) and Vitellaria paradoxa (60.00) had more inhibitory effect on cowpea seeds germinability than that of Azardiracta indica. (63.33) while all the treatments are lower than that of control (100). The tree species had similar inhibition capability in the cowpea plant height, stem circumference, number of leaves, above grand biomass and below grand biomass. However, in all treatment, statistic showed that there is no significant difference (p < 0.05) among the means.
文摘Pot experiment was carried out in the screen house, Ladoke Akintola University Technology Ogbomosho, Nigeria to determine the possible impact of Tithonia diversifolia on the growth of thirteen selected weed species weeds growing in its surroundings. The study consisted of two treatments (Tithonia diversifolia infested and Non-Tithonia diversifolia infested soils) and from the two media, the growth of A. hispidium, B. pilosa E. heterophylla, P. maximum and P. polystachion was significantly affected in soil infested by T. diversifolia. The number of weed seedling emergence afore mentioned was significantly lower than what was obtained in soil not infested with T. diversifolia and this accounted for about 38% of the tested weed species. Germination of four of these weeds species (23%) (A. spinosus, C. viscosa, T. procumbens and D. gayana) was enhanced by the presence of T. diversifolia. The study further revealed that weed counts in T. diversifolia infested soil is significantly lower than the ones in soil without T. diversifolia infestation. Likewise, the vegetative growth of some species (A. spinosus, C. viscosa, T. procumbens and D. gayana) was improved in this soil. This shows that T. diversifolia infested soil contains allelochemicals that performed both stimulatory and inhibitory functions.
文摘An investigation of effect of Latana camara, Tephrosia vogelii and Zingiber officinale applied at 5%, 10% and 25% concentrations on flea beetle of cabbage was conducted on the Teaching and Research Farm of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso in the early seasons of 2011 and 2012. The experiment consisted of 11 treatments laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design （RCBD） with three replications. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and significant means were compared using the Least Significant Difference （LSD） at p〈0.05. All the tested plant extracts exhibited moderate efficacy in the control of flea beetle. The treatment plant extracts performed as well as synthetic insecticides （0.76±0.05 and 0.76±0.05, respectively）. It was discovered that 25% w/v of Z. officinale gave the best yield of 0.50 kg · hm-2. The result showed that extract of T. vogelii （0.71±0.00） and L. camara （0.96±0.23） could suppress flea beetle population at different hours of spraying, while Z. officinale showed an effect at 48 HAS （0.71±0.00） and 72 HAS （0.76±0.05） alter spraying.
文摘To reduce the risks associated with over-dependence on synthetic insecticides and ensure leguminous food security, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the potentials of integrating Piper guineense essential oil （PgEO） with cowpea varietal resistance in the control of cowpea seed beetle, Callosobruehus maculatus Fabricius. Four cowpea varieties （Sokoto, Drum, Oloyin and Gwallam） were studied. Data collected included oviposition, progeny emergence, Reproductive Efficiency （RE） and Percentage Seed Damage （PSD）. At first filial generation, numbers of eggs laid on Oloyin variety treated with 25 μL PgEO per 25 g cowpea seeds （2.15） were significantly （p〈0.05） lower than the values obtained in untreated cowpea （3.61） and hexane-treated seeds （3.07）. C. maculatus RE on Oloyin （33.73） was significantly （p〈0.05） lower than values obtained on other varieties （47.34-54.67） for seeds without PgEO; and were significantly greater than 0.00 observed on Oloyin seeds treated with 50 pL PgEO. PSD on Oloyin （6.63%） was significantly （p〈0.05） lower than the values obtained on Sokoto （10.04%） and Drum （9.79%） for seeds without PgEO, while there was no damage in Oloyin treated with 50 pL PgEO. Significantly （p〈0.05） lower F2 progeny emergence occurred on Oloyin （4.02） and Sokoto （4.71） compared with Drum （9.03） and Gwallam （6.07） from the untreated cowpea seeds. The results implied that application of PgEO to Oloyin gave better protection from infestation of C. maculatus than other varieties. Hence, combination of varietal resistance with PgEO for management ofbruchid could be an effective mean of improving cowpea food security.
文摘The study revealed the safety of Dennettia tripetala seed on man and the environment.Adult male rats weighing 0.158-0.168 kg housed in standard cages with free access to food and water were used for the experiments.The median lethal dose(LD50)was estimated using revised up and down procedure.The LD50 for D.tripetala seed extract was 5785 mg/kg and this evoked paralysis in rats for 4 days coupled with discharge from the eyes and eventual death.The least weight gain by the animals administered 75%seed powder of D.tripetala(4338.75 mg/kg)was an index of high powder concentration,whereas the weight loss experienced by group V animals is strongly attributed to chemical assault by permethrin designated as a standard insecticide.The high values of alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),and urea in the groups administered 75%permethrin powder(4338.75 mg/kg)and 75%D.tripetala seed powder is an index of liver and kidney injury and dysfunction.The presence of normal serum levels of ALT,AST,alkaline phosphatase,and creatinine;normal liver and kidney structures;and normal weight gains in the animal groups fed basal diet(control)and basal diet plus 25%D.tripetala is a strong indication that 25%D.tripetala seed powder(1446.25 mg/kg)supplementation is not toxic to the liver and kidney and therefore supports normal organ functions.The LD50 recorded strongly indicates that D.tripetala has a moderately high safety margin.Supplementation of less than 50%(2892.5 mg/kg)is recommended in the safe use of the plant material as grain protectant,food,and medicine.The botanical insecticide,D.tripetala,is safer than the conventional synthetic insecticide,permethrin,on account of the latter showing evidence of kidney damage.
