Bioactivity of some plant extracts against larvae of Spodoptera litura (Fab.) and Athalia proxima lugens (Klug.) under laboratory conditions

Abstract

The crude aqueous extracts from the leaves of five plants viz., Ageratum conyzoides L., Parthenium hysterophorus L., Lantana camera L., Solanum nigrum L. and Cannabis sativa L. were tested for their insecticidal property against larvae of Spodoptera litura (F.) and Athalia proxima lugens (Klug.). The results revealed that the highest mortality (93.33%) of Spodoptera litura was obtained in 5 per cent concentration and at 96 hours exposure in the treatments of Cannabis sativa and Solanum nigrum. The larvae of Athalia proxima lugens was found somewhat susceptible compared to the larvae of Spodoptera litura and highest mortality of 93.33% was obtained in 5 per cent concentration and at 72 hours exposure in the treatments of ageratum conyzoides and Solanum nigrum. The mortality was directly related to concentration and exposure period. These five plants can be used as botanical insecticide to manage the insect problems.