Antifeedant activity of different solvent extracts of Gliricidia sepium against third instar larvae of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae)

Abstract

Plant based pesticides are known as phytopesticides. Phytopesticide formulations offer a more eco-friendly approach to Insect Pest Management than chemical pesticides. The biological compounds present in these formulations have several biological activities against insect pests. In the present work, an attempt has been made to study the antifeedant activity of Gliricidia sepium leaf extracts using three solvents, i.e; petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol against third instar larvae of Helicoverpa armigera. All extracts exhibited as significant antifeedant activity at LC 50. Methanol extract deterred feeding potential of the insect larvae by 62.38% at 1000 ppm, followed by ethyl acetate (46.67%) and petroleum ether (40.37%). Hence this naturally occurring plant extracts could be useful for managing the Helicoverpa armigera population.