Biopesticidal efficacy of argimone mexicana on jowar ear-head pests Calocoris angustatus and Helicoverpa armigera

Abstract

Argimone mexicana is an invasive weed species lowering crop production as it uses nutrition from agriculture crop field and needs to eradicate from the field. It negatively impacts sorghum cultivation by inhibiting seed germination and seedling growth due to allelopathic effects. In present study biopesticidal activity of A. mexicana extracts was studied on jowar ear-head pests Calocoris angustatus and Helicoverpa armigera. Results showed promising LC50 and LC90 values for 48 hours exposure in aqueous extract against both test insect pests. Aqueous extract showed promising insect repellence and antifeedant activity against C. angustatus and H. armigera. A. mexicana showed effect on growth and development of insect pest H. armigera in the form of pupal occlusion, pupal deformities and lowered adult emergence. Further investigations are needed to find active ingredients responsible for insecticidal property of study plant which helps to reduce weeds as well as insect pests from jowar field