The effects of two medicinal plants which occur in the Tunisia flora, the Rutaceae Ruta chalepensis and the Zygophyllaceae Peganum harmala were observed in the laboratory conditions on L. migratoria. Newly emerged fifth instar nymphs and adults were exposed to various concentrations of the crude methanolic extract administered by ingestion. Results showed that treated larvae manifested a decrease in their food consumption and nutrient utilization, due probably to antifeedant effect of these plants. The treatment applied to adult females during the preovipositional phase provokes a significant adverse influence on their reproductive potential resulting in a significant reduction of both fecundity and fertility, a delay of the first oviposition and a significant decrease in the number of eggs per ootheca.
