Artemisia annua Aqueous Extract as a Biocidal Agent against Alphitobius diaperinus Beetles in Poultry Litter

Abstract

Given the importance of controlling the lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in poultry farms, this study evaluated the biopesticidal activity of an aqueous extract of Artemisia annua L. (Asteraceae). Dried leaves of A. annua were analyzed for artemisinin (ART) content, and adult beetles were randomly distributed into 12 Petri dishes (100 insects each) to form four treatments in triplicate: a negative control (distilled water) and extracts containing 19.2, 38.4, and 76.8 mg ART/mL. Filter papers were treated with 10 mL of each solution, and insect mortality was assessed after 1, 3, 12, and 24 h of exposure. The aqueous extract of A. annua showed a clear concentration-dependent insecticidal effect against adult A. diaperinus, with mortality rates of 33.6%, 40.0%, and 57.3% after 24 h for concentrations of 19.2, 38.4, and 76.8 mg ART/mL, respectively, compared with the control group. The estimated lethal concentration for 50% mortality at 24 h (LC₅₀-24h) was 59.2 mg ART/mL. Under these controlled experimental conditions, the aqueous extract of A. annua demonstrated significant efficacy against A. diaperinus, highlighting the potential of artemisinin-based products for the environmental control of lesser mealworm populations in poultry farms.