Evaluating the Toxicity of Piperine, Azadirachtin, and Quercetin against Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Workers via Feeding Bioassay under Controlled Condition

Abstract

Exploration of effective management technique against Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) has gained the great concern of researchers because of its well-known negative impacts on public health, economic development and native biodiversity. Among various control measures, use of botanical extracts and essential oils are being highly focused because of eco-friendly in nature. Current study explains the effectiveness of three bioactive compounds including Piperine, Azadirachtin, Quercetin and all of their possible combinations against S. invicta workers. Sugar water (20% w/w) was used as solvent for these treatments. Data of mortality were recorded after every 24, 48 and 72 hours. Results revealed that all the treatments caused satisfied mortality in exposed fire ant workers. The mortality was directly proportional to concentrations and time of exposure in all treatments. Among all the treatments, Piperine and its combinations caused highest mortality of fire ant worker. This study will be more useful to future work regarding chemical ecology of social ants. The results of research presented great potential of these biopesticides against S. invicta.