Insecticidal Properties of Euphorbia tirucalli Against the German Cockroach (Blattella germanica) and American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana) Under Laboratory Settings | ||
| Egyptian Academic Journal of Biological Sciences, F. Toxicology & Pest Control | ||
| Volume 17, Issue 2, December 2025, Pages 169-177 | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/eajbsf.2025.465335 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Kaya S. Mashaba; Pieter H. King; Clinton M. Mathole | ||
| Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, P.O. Box 139, Medunsa, Pretoria 0204, South Africa | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Blattella germanica and Periplaneta americana are cockroach species known to carry disease causing pathogens. They are commonly controlled by synthetic insecticides, which are often associated with negative effects. Various plant species are documented to possess insecticidal properties against B. germanica and P. americana with minimal negative effects. Euphorbia tirucalli (Euphorbiaceae) is a succulent plant with reported insecticidal properties against various pest insects. The current study examined phytochemical compounds within E. tirucalli using qualitative analysis and determined the plant’s insecticidal properties against B. germanica and P. americana using the dipping method. Qualitative analysis revealed that the plant has a moderate presence of glycosides and a strong presence of saponins, tannins, alkaloids, phenols and terpenoids. Euphorbia tirucalli twig extracts at concentrations of 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09 and 0.1% (w/v) achieved mortality percentages of 10, 20, 50, 50, 70, 70, 80, 90, 100 and 100%, respectively for P. americana. The same concentrations also achieved mortality percentages of 10, 20, 30, 30, 30, 40, 60, 70, 70 and 80%, respectively against B. germanica. The LC50 of E. tirucalli extracts against B. germanica and P. americana were determined at 0.056 and 0.031, respectively. The 95% confidence interval was 0.021-0.091 and 0.02-0.042 for B. germanica and P. americana, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that E. tirucalli has various phytochemicals and insecticidal properties against B. germanica and P. americana. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Euphorbia tirucalli; Periplaneta americana; Blattella germanica; phytochemical; insecticide | ||
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