Qualitative phytochemical screening and mortality effect of ethanolic extract of Salsola imbricata on Aphis gossypii

Cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Homoptera: Aphididae), is one of the polyphagous and highly damaging species in fields and greenhouses. Now, aphids control is dependent on using chemical insecticides. Because of continuous use of pesticides, many species of aphids have become resistant to many chemical compounds. Then, surveying the alternative approach needed for effectively managing of aphids in integrated pest management (IPM). In this study, the qualitative phytochemical of ethanolic extract of Salsola imbricata and its insecticidal effect on A. gossypii investigated in a completely randomized design under laboratory conditions. The results showed, the mortality rate of one-day adult aphids treated with ethanolic extract of S. imbricate at concentrations between 33.63 to 2016.99 µg/cm2 was 20 to 73 %. The LC50 value after 24 hours was 340.06µg/cm2. Preliminary phytochemical study of extract showing the presence of various bioactive and insecticidal compounds in ethanolic extract of S. imbricata, like glycosides (anthraquinones), flavonoids, steroids, tannins and tri terpenoids compounds. But no saponons detected.