Feeding and Oviposition Deterrence of Murraya paniculata, Piper nigrum and Moringa oleifera Extracts against Spodoptera litura (F)

Spodoptera litura is one of the most destructive pests of various crops cultivating in Pakistan. Larvae of S. litura at early stages attacks on the leaves and later stage larva fed almost every part of plant. Due to environmental pollution and the incapability of toxic agents in controlling the target pests at the recommended doses of synthetic pesticides, alternative methods like botanical extract in the control of this pest consider greater importance nowadays. The antifeedant and oviposition deterrent index of Moringa oleifera, Murraya paniculata and Piper nigrum leaf extracts were evaluated against S. litura by choice and no choice method under laboratory controlled conditions. In M. oleifera extract, the maximum antifeedant index was recorded in 125.00 mg/ml (64.93 +/- 2.61), while minimum antifeedant index was observed in 7.81 mg/ml i.e. 8.39 +/- 1.85 by no choice method. In case of M. paniculata extract, the maximum antifeedant index was 98.90 +/- 0.67 in 125.00 mg/ml, while minimum antifeedant index was 30.90 +/- 1.85 in 7.81 mg/ml by no choice method. In P. nigrum extract, the maximum antifeedant index was 85.57 +/- 2.30 in 125.00 mg/ml, while minimum antifeedant index was 23.92 +/- 0.76 in 7.81 mg/ml by no choice method. In free choice method, the antifeedant index of M. paniculata at 125 mg/ml concentration was maximum (83.64 +/- 12.51), followed by P. nigrum and M. oleifera at 125 mg/ml concentration were 79.76 +/- 14.60 and 30.57 +/- 4.80, respectively. The higher oviposition deterrent index was recorded in M. paniculata extract (87.32 +/- 0.77) as compared to P. nigrum and M. oleifera extract i.e. 82.58 +/- 2.14 and 77.25 +/- 1.92, respectively, by no choice method. Similarly, higher oviposition deterrent index was recorded in M. paniculata extract (91.57 +/- 1.92) with respect to P. nigrum and M. oleifera extract i.e. 83.71 +/- 1.13 and 69.53 +/- 1.80, respectively, by free choice method. The significant antifeedant and as well as oviposition deterrent activity against the S. litura was found when the above mentioned botanicals were tested.