Extracts of Southern Amazon native forest species in the control of Atta sexdens Linnaeus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract

The flora diversity in the Amazon region presents an immense potential for studies of plants with insecticidal activity. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of alcoholic and leaf infusion extracts of Cheiloclinium cognatum (Miers) A.C.Sm and Metrodorea flavida K.Krause in the control of Atta sexdens L. The alcoholic and infusion extracts were obtained from dry leaves and the bioassays were divided into two modes of action: contact and ingestion in the following concentrations: of 3%, 6%, 9%, 12% and 15% plus 1% dimethyl sulfoxid (DMSO), a control was also used (distilled water + DMSO) 1% or pure diet + 1% DMSO) and a control (fipronil). The evaluation was carried out after 72 hours, by counting dead insects. In contact bioassay, the highest mortality caused by alcoholic extracts and infusion of Cheiloclinium cognatum was 88 and 74%, respectively, for Metrodorea flavida the mortality was 84 and 54%, respectively. In the bioassay for ingestion, the mortality caused by the infusion extract of Cheiloclinium cognatum was 98% and Metrodorea flavida 74%. The alcoholic and leaf infusion extracts of Cheiloclinium cognatum and Metrodorea flavida have insecticide potential in the mortality of Atta sexdens.