Antifeedant Activity of Crude Extracts and Fractions Isolated from Cymodocea serrulate (R.Br.) Leaf against Tobacco Caterpillar Spodoptera litura (Fab.) Lepidoptera: Noctuidae

Abstract

Different organic solvent extracts of Cymodocea serrulata leaves exhibited antifeedant activity against Spodoptera litura larvae. Maximum antifeedant activity (88.95%) was observed in ethyl acetate extract at a 5 percent concentration. Five fractions were isolated from ethyl acetate extract by column chromatography and tested individually at four different concentrations, viz., 125, 250, 500, and 1000 ppm, for antifeedant activity. Among the five fractions, fraction I showed promising antifeedant activity (91.12%) at a 1000 ppm concentration. Deformities in larvae, pupae, and adults were also recorded. The preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, glycosides, and steroids.