Andrographolide: An effective anti-fertility agent for the control of Tribolium confusum

Andrographolide, a terpenoid isolated from the leaves of Andrographis paniculata [Acanthaceae] affected normal growth and development of the ovaries of Tribolium confusum [Duval] [Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae]. The fifth instar, sixth instar larvae and pupae were treated with 1μg/μl of Andrographolide. The treated resultant females exhibited ovarian deformities. The ovaries of the treated resultant Tribolium confusum showed variation in the length and size of the ovarioles, ovariole degeneration, oocyte degeneration, resorption and inability of the mature oocytes to oviposite. Our results show that the topical application of Andrographolide inhibits ovarian development, affecting the fertility and the reproductive potentiality of Tribolium confusum suggesting its use for the development of safe and specific anti-fertility agent for the control of this stored grain pest