Avaliação preliminar do extrato de Coité no controle da cochonilha-de-escama em palma-forrageira.

Abstract

Generally, pest control is made by chemical products, but they can do damage to the environment and human health. Thus, there is a need to search for new means of control such as biopesticides, which do not harm the environment. The research aimed to investigate the potential of the coité seeds extracts on the control of cochineal scale on forage cactus. The first stage of the project was the preparation of the extracts in the laboratory of the Education and Health Center, Cuité campus of the Federal University of Campina Grande, and the second was implemented in loco at the Chã da Bolandeira, a small farm in Jaçanã-RN. Seeds of eight fruits were collected, crushed and dried in an oven. The product was taken to the extraction process with solvents. All extractions went through the filtering and rotoevaporation process. Then it were diluted in water with the aid of a surfactant. Data collection was made every three days, making a total of fithteen days. The results of the biocidal action of all treatments showed low efficiency, but with someindications of possibilities of using the extracts. Probably due to the low concentrations of the treatments used, it was not possible to clearly investigate the potential of the coité seeds extract on the control of cochineal scale on cactus, thus requiring further research with higher concentrations of extracts for a better investigation of the toxicity. The application of the extract in loco on insect pests provided a viable experience, as its applicability did not cause any complications in terms of environmental damage or risks to humans.