Bioatividade de extratos aquosos de folhas de plantas na biologia de Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E.Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract

The armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a key pest of corn, as it causes defoliation to plants throughout the year, causing significant economic losses. The most common method for its control is chemical, but the indiscriminate use of pesticides, in addition to causing adverse effects to humans and the environment due to the toxicity of the products, favors the development of resistant individuals, thus causing the insect in question is difficult to control. Plants popularly known as myrtle (Murraya paniculata), guaco (Mikania glomerata), são Caetano melon (Momordica charantia) and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) have demonstrated pharmacological potential, presenting repellent or toxic effects to insects. Thus, the objective of this work was to analyze in the laboratory the insecticidal activity of M. paniculata, M. glomerata, M.charantia and M. officinalis on the biological parameters of S. frugiperda, through the incorporation of extracts in artificial diets. Based on the results obtained, a significant insecticidal activity of the myrtle leaf extract (Murraya paniculata) was observed on S. frugiperda, as it caused a significant reduction in larval and pupal viability.