Assessment of insecticidal action of 3-Isothiocyanato-1-propene on the growth and development of Spodoptera litura (Fab.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract

The extensive use of chemical pesticides in agricultural practices have adversely affected environment as well a human health. Bioaccumulation of these pesticides at different trophic levels is one of the major concerns among agronomists. Consequently, there is need to consider natural plant products as an alternative source for pest management. Glucosinolates (GSLs) are secondary metabolites present in plants belonging to different families including brassicaceae. They are broken down into many isothiocyanates (ITCs) that play an important role in plant-insect-interaction. Among numerous known ITCs, 3-isothiocyanato-1-propene or allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is known to possess biocidal activity against diverse range of pathogens. Therefore, present investigation was carried out to evaluate the insecticidal potential of AITC on growth and development of Spodoptera litura (Fab), a polyphagous pest. AITC resulted in 100% larval mortality at the highest concentration (3125ppm). It was also observed that AITC influenced larval period, pupal period, total development period and pupal weight. AITC decreased adult emergence along with larval growth indices. These alterations were further confirmed by the aberrations observed in pupae and adults of S. litura. Thus, our findings indicated that AITC possess insecticidal potential against S. litura and can be efficiently used for its management on large scale.