Insecticidal efficacy of methanol extract of leaves of Saraca indica L. against four insect pests causing severe damage to stored grains

The methanol extract from leaves of Saraca indica was investigated to control insect infestation of stored food commodities viz. maize, rice, cowpea and wheat flour during from Ostrinia nubilalis, Spodoptera littoralis, Callosobruchus maculates and Tribolium confusum. After introducing the test insects, stored food samples were fumigated with methanol extract from leaves of Saraca indica at 500 μg/mL (ppm). The methanol extract significantly enhanced feeding deterrence in insects and reduced the grain damage as well as weight loss in fumigated food samples infested with all insects.