Feeding and Growth Inhibition Activities of Tragia involucrata Linn (Euphorbiaceae) on Achaea janata (Linn.) (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) and Pericallia ricini (Fab.) (Lepidoptera: Arctidae)

Abstract

To evaluate the growth and feeding inhibitory activities leaves extract of Tragia involucrata tested against third instar larvae of Achaea janata and Pericallia ricini. Feeding inhibition, larvicidal and growth inhibitory activities were tested with different solvent extracts of hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate. Chloroform extracts showed promising feeding deterrent and larvicidal activities against A. janata and P. ricini. Percentage of deformed larvae, pupae and adults were maximum on ethyl acetate extract. Percentage of successful adult emergence was deteriorated by extract treated larvae. Ethyl acetate extracts of T. involucrata, showed higher percentage of feeding, larvicidal and growth inhibition activities. Hence, it may suggest it can use for controlling agricultural insect pests, A. janata and P. ricini.