Antifeedant and insecticidal activities of selected plant extracts against Epilachna beetle, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Abstract

Six different indigenous plants were screened for antifeedant and insecticidal activity against fourth instar larvae of Epilachna beetle, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata, which is a severe pest on brinjal. Among the plants screened, Achyranthes aspera showed higher activity against the selected pest. Ethyl acetate extracts of A. aspera showed higher antifeedant index and insecticidal activity against fourth instar larvae of H. vigintioctopunctata. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed that the presence of alkaloid and quinines in the ethyl acetate extracts indicate higher percentage of activities. Hence, it may suggest its use for controlling the vegetables insect pest, H. vigintioctopunctata.