Phytochemical Screening and Antiinsect Activity of Achras sapota Seeds Linn. Sp.Pl.

A study was carried out under laboratory condition to evaluate insect repellent and insecticidal activity of acetone extract of Achras sapota seeds using red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) as test insects. Minimum concentrations for repellent and insecticidal activities were determined and found to be 5% after 5h and 5mg after 24h respectively. Optimum concentrations were determined for the best results which were found to be 20 mg % giving 92.6 ± 2.3 repellency over 5 h and 13 mg showing 100% insecticidal activity over 24 h respectively. Acetone extract was further screened for phytochemical screening and showed the presence of triterpens, saponins, tannins and flavanoids which are responsible for the above said activities.