Extracts from Tephrosia vogelii for the protection of stored legume seeds against damage by three bruchid species

Aliquots of powdered dried leaves of Tephrosia vogelii (Leguminosae – Papilionoideae) were extracted with hexane, acetone and ethanol. The extracts were tested for their potential to protect stored legume seeds from damage by the bruchids Acanthoscelides obtectus , Callosobruchus maculatus and Callosobruchus chinensis (Coleoptera – Bruchidae). While the acetone and ethanol extracts were ineffective except for a significant but low effect on A. obtectus , the hexane extract had a relatively high efficacy, providing similar control of all three bruchid species. This effect was manifested in slowly‐reduced adult survival within 7 days and in reduced numbers of eggs laid and of F 1 progeny produced, resulting in seed damage averaging 7.1% compared to 99.8% in the untreated controls after one generation. These findings are discussed in the context of previously identified constituents of T. vogelii , the rotenoids rotenone, tephrosin and deguelin.