Growth regulatory and growth inhibitory effects of Thevetia neriifolia stem extracts on Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract

Helicoverpa armigera, a serious global destructive pest of agricultural crops, is on continuous rise despite several control measures undertaken. The detrimental effects of these measures have created a dire need to explore alternate eco-safe strategies. The present study investigates the growth-regulatory and growth-arrest potential of hexane and methanol extracts of Thevetia neriifolia stems against H. armigera. Investigations revealed that larval feeding and rearing on the extract-containing diet did not result in appreciable larval mortality but delayed the larval growth and development. Both the extracts demonstrated dose-dependent effects exhibiting negative correlation between the weights gained by developmental stages and the extract concentrations. Feeding with extracts also resulted in formation of few larval–pupal and pupal–adult intermediates and significantly reduced percent adult emergence of H. armigera. Current study, however, revealed higher growth inhibitory potential of methanol extracts as compared with hexane extracts. The study attempts to provide an eco-friendly approach for H. armigera management.