Eficiencia del extracto vegetal de Datura stramonium L. como insecticida para el control de la mosca sierra

Pests represent a negative effect on forests and are often underestimated by man. Pests outbreaks contribute directly or indirectly to the economy and the environment. One of the main problems in the forest ecosystems is the pine defoliating pests, known as "sawfly". The aim of this research was to characterize extracts from different parts (leaf, stem and root) of Datura stramonium to evaluate their toxic properties and potential use as an organic insecticide on larvae of Neodiprion autumnalis. The repellency and mortality of the sawfly in Pinus leiophylla, treated with hydroalcoholic extracts, was evaluated in the laboratory at 0 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h. To do the characterization, the extraction of alkaloids was carried out. Extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry that allowed identification of the main tropane alkaloids. Statistical analyzes were performed comparing means by the Tukey test at 5% of probability, and differences were found between treatments performed for each plant extract and applied doses (10 mg/L, 30 mg/L y 50 mg/L) with respect to the control. Results showed mortality percentages of 7% to 30%, depending on the dose and the time of exposure to the larvae. The plant structure presenting the best results was the root, followed by the leaves and the stem. These extracts could be a fundamental part of an integrated pest management.