Numerous cultivated plants are attacked by Spodoptera litura, which also significantly reduces crop yields. In this study, a green strategy was used to assess the toxicological impact of three plant extracts (Eucalyptus globulus, Allium sativum, and Azadirachta indica) against S. litura larvae in their second and third instars. The study resulted that among the tested extracts, neem (A. indica) was found to be the most toxic and efficient extract followed by E. globulus and A. sativum. 29.92, 56.61, and 79.53% mortality of 2nd instar larvae were recorded at 3, 5, and 7 ppm, respectively, while 24.52, 27.66, and 72.42% of 3rd instars. Among the tested extracts, A. sativum was the least toxic extract than others. One of the main causes of large losses in field crops is insect pest damage. According to the study’s findings, A. indica extract has the potential to lessen S. litura damage to crops as a natural substitute for chemical pesticides without harming beneficial species.
Spodoptera litura is a major threat to agricultural crops all over the world including Pakistan. It has developed resistance to several chemicals, especially synthetic insecticides. Plant based chemicals like extracts may serve as suitable and alternative biocontrol methods for pests in the future. The current study was conducted to determine the biology of S. litura on cabbage and the effects of two botanicals i.e. Azadirachta indica and Eucalyptus globulus against 2nd and 3rd instar larvae in controlled conditions. The incubation period of pest was 3-4 days. The average mean developmental period of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th larval instar was 2.44±0.71, 2.32±0.74, 3.43±0.68, 2.76±0.80, and 2.40±0.79 days, respectively. The pre-ovipositional, and ovipositional period of females was 2.04-3.58 and 2.89-5.71 days respectively. The total life cycle of pests was 30.83-38.79 days. Significantly higher mortality of 2nd and 3rd instar larvae was recorded in A. indica. The percentage of mortality increased with an increase in treatment time.
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