Laboratory Evaluation of Custard apple Seed Extract against Pigeon pea Pod Borer Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)

Abstract

Helicoverpa armigera is the most destructive pest of pigeonpea and high infestation level of this pest causes severe yield losses. The excessive use of synthetic pesticides increase the total cost of operation and also affect the health of human beings adversely. In spite of these, the use of botanicals pesticides are less expensive, safe and eco-friendly. In this study, the aqueous custard apple seed extract with five concentrations (20 mg/ml, 30 mg/ml, 40mg/ml, 50mg/ml and 60mg/ml) were prepared and the efficacy of test solutions were evaluated against Helicoverpa armigera larvae under laboratory condition. The lethal concentration LD50 and LC90 of the aqueous custard apple seed extract was found to be 53.24 mg/ml and 107.52 mg/ml, respectively. The results showed that the test solution provides effective control of Helicoverpa armigera larval and can be used as botanical insecticide.