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POTENTIAL OF THE WEED ABRUS PRECATORIUS LINNAEUS (FABALES: FABACEAE) FOR CONTROL OF INSECT PESTS IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC: A REVIEW
Abstract
Abrus precatorius L. (Fabaceae) is a woody legume plant that grows in tropical countries and is an invasive weed in other areas. Extracts of this plant have insecticidal properties against several arthropod groups including Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Isoptera, Lepidoptera and Orthoptera. It also has inhibitory effects against other pests including fungal plant pathogens, parasitic protozoans and molluscs. Studies that have examined the efficacy of A. precatorius extracts against invertebrate pests found in the South Pacific region suggest that this plant may be a potential mean for controlling many important invasive agricultural pests. Harvest and usage of A. precatorius may serve a dual purpose to restrict weed growth whilst providing material to produce a botanically-derived insecticide.
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