Antifeedant Effect of Achyranthes Aspera Linn on Cauliflower Borer (Hellula Undalis), Fruit and Leaf Borer of Cauliflower (Spodoptera Litura) and Brinjal Fruit Borer (Leucinodes Arbonalis)

S. Girija and N. Valarmathy

Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Ethiraj college for women, Chennai - 08 India.

ABSTRACT:

Medicinal plants are the local heritage with global importance. Pest problem is one of the major constraints for achieving higher production in agriculture crops. Achyranthes aspera was used in the present study to check the larvicidal and antifeedant activity on some insect larvae. The crude ethanolic extract of the plant sample was tested on cauliflower borer, brinjal borer.The mortality rate , the initial and final weight of the larvae was recorded. There was a marked decrease in the food consumption and faecal matter in excreta rate. The overall body weight of the worm increased abruptly in 600μg and 800μg. The larvae attained abnormal size in 800μg. The larvae of 1000μg concentration was not alive after the 3rd day. The faecal matter excreted also showed considerable reduction in 1000μg. Therefore the plant extract showed high antifeedant and less Larvicidal activity on Spodopter litura. It showed that the plant extract showed distinct anti-feedant and growth inhibitory action on all the insect larvae tested.

KEYWORDS: Antifeedent activity; Achyranthes aspera; Hellula undalis; Spodoptera litura

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