Development observations of Plodia interpunctella (Hbn.) (Lepidoptera Pyralidae) on some dried medicinal plants

Abstract

The susceptibility of 17 dried medicinal plants to Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella attack was evaluated. Tests were carried out at 26±1°C and 70±5% r.h., with photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D). The active ingredients present in the tested medicinal plants, mainly therpens, alkaloids and tannins, did not show ovicidal effects.
A 100% of mortality was observed within 5 days on Althaea officinalis, Camellia sinensis, Cynara scolymus, Eucalyptus globulus, Ginkgo biloba, Humulus lupulus, Melissa officinalis, Myrtus communis, Passiflora incarnata, Ruta graveolens, Taxus baccata, Tilia cordata and Vitis vinifera.
On the contrary 100% of mortality was reached, respectively, within 30 and 70 days on Cassia angustifolia pods and Crataegus monogyna flower heads.
Adults (respectively 80.0±3.21and50.0±3.80) were observed on minced achenes of Silybum marianum and on roots of Angelica archangelica in a mean development period of 36. 7±0.33 and 43.7±0.67 days.