In vitro efficacy of extracts of Melia azedarach against the tick Boophilus microplus

The efficacy of ripe fruit extracts of Melia azedarach L. (Rutales: Meliaceae) was evaluated against the tick, Boophilus microplus (Canestrini) (Acari: Ixodidae). Ripe fruits of M. azedarach dried and powdered were extracted by Soxhlet apparatus successively using hexane, CHCl3 and 96% aqueous ethanol. Larvae and engorged females were immersed in decreasing concentrations from 0.25% to 0.015% of each extract. The mortality of larvae was evaluated 24, 72 and 168 h after treatment. The effectiveness of treatment against engorged females was assessed by measuring egg production. All tested extracts caused mortality of B. microplus larvae, with higher mortality rates observed in CHCl3 (100%) and hexanic extract (98%) than in ethanolic extract (50%) 168 h after treatment. The mortality was dependent on concentration and on time after treatment. Similarly hexanic and CHCl3 extracts showed higher effectiveness (varying from 14% to 100%) against B. microplus engorged females than ethanolic extract (varying from 0% to 46%). Melia azedarach extracts did not kill the adult females, but inhibited partially or totally egg production and embryogenesis. These results show that the less polar the extract of M. azedarach ripe fruits the more its effectiveness against larvae and engorged females of B. microplus. This plant may therefore be useful in the control of resistant B. microplus populations.     

Efficacy of Melia azedarach L. extract on the malarial vector Anopheles stephensi Liston (Diptera: Culicidae)

Methanolic extracts of leaves and seeds from the chinaberry tree, Melia azedarach L. (Meliaceae) was tested against mature and immature mosquito vector Anopheles stephensi Liston (Diptera) under laboratory condition. The extract showed strong larvicidal, pupicidal, adulticidal, antiovipositional activity, repellency and biting deterency. The M. azedarach seed and leaf extracts were used to determine their effect on A. stephensi adults and their corresponding oviposition and consequent adult emergence in comparison with the control. The seed extracts showed high bioactivity at all doses, while the leaf extracts proved to be active, only in the higher dose. Results obtained from the laboratory experiment showed that the seed extracts suppressed the pupal and adult activity of A. stephensi even at low dose. In general, first and second instar larvae were more susceptible to both leaves and seed extracts. Clear dose-response relationships were established with the highest dose of 2% plant extract evoking 96% mortality. Entire development of A. stephensi was inhibited by M. azedarach treatment. Less expensive (less than 0.50 US dollars per 1 kg seed), naturally accruing bio-pesticide could be an alternative for chemical pesticides.     

Laboratory evaluation of Melia azedarach L. and Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Extracts in order to control Ocneridia volxemi Bolivar (Orthoptera, Pamphaginae) hoppers

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Melia azedarach L. (Meliaceae) dry fruit extracts (oil and water) and Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (Myrtaceae) dry leaves extracts (water) on Oneridia volxemi hoppers (fifth-instar) feeding on cereals leaves (Triticum durum) under laboratory conditions. Larva feeding reduced and mortality was significatly (p < 0.05) on cereals leaves sprayed with three concentrations 0, 5, 1 and 2% of oil extracted from Melia azederach. In addition, O. volxemi feeding and mortality was significantly (p < 0.05) on cereals leaves sprayed with two concentrations 50 g/l and 80 g/l of water extracts from Melia azedarach dry fruits soaked for 24 hours. the water extract solution of 80 g/l significantly reduced feeding than the other concentrations 50 and 25 g/l. This study showed also the water extract solution from Eucalyptus globulus dry leaves reduced also feeding and induced the mortality of O. volxemi but not better than Melia azedarach dry fruit extracts water at the same concentration (80 g/l). The aim of this study is in an integrated management program for control of O.     

Responses of the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, to the chinaberry tree (Melia azedarach L.) and its extracts

Host preference bioassays for adults of the sweetpotato whitefly were performed with leaves of the chinaberry tree Melia azedarach L., tomato, cucumber and bean. Fruit and leaf extracts of the chinaberry tree were tested against adults of the sweetpotato whitefly. Fruit extracts were tested against eggs, first and second instar nymphs, and pupae of the insect. Treatments included aqueous, methanol, and acetone fruit extracts of 200 mg ml^?1 and serial dilutions of 20.0 and 2.00 mg ml^?1, ether extract, the botanical insecticides Azatin® and Margosan® ‐O and the control, water or water with Triton®. Mortality data was collected at 6, 7, and 8 days after treatment of the eggs, nymphs and pupae, respectively. Results of the host preference bioassays indicated a significantly lower number of live insects on leaves of the chinaberry tree vs leaves of bean, cucumber, and tomato after 24 h. This indicates that M. azedarach is not a good host for the sweetpotato whitefly. Adults of the insect were significantly more repelled from tomato plants treated with the undiluted extracts when compared to the control after 72 h. There were significant differences in percent mortality of nymphal instars when exposed to the undiluted extracts compared to other extracts and the control. However, there was no significant effect of the fruit extracts on the egg and pupa instars. Thus M. azedarach extracts were found to be repellent to the whitefly adults, while the fruit extracts have shown a significant detrimental effect against early nymphal instars. In general, the methanol extracts were more active against B. tabaci than extracts with other solvents.     

Larvicide and oviposition deterrent effects of fruit and leaf extracts from Melia azedarach L. on Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae)

Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae), the main urban vector of dengue, has developed resistance to various insecticides, making its control increasingly difficult. We explored the effects of Argentine Melia azedarach L. (Meliaceae) fruit and senescent leaf extracts on Ae. aegypti larval development and survival, by rearing cohorts of first instar mosquitoes in water with different extract concentrations. We also analysed oviposition deterrent activity in choice tests with extract-treated ovitraps. The leaf extract showed a strong larvicide activity, with all larvae dying before pupation, and significantly delayed development time. It strongly inhibited oviposition by Ae. aegypti females. The fruit extract showed much weaker effects. This first report of highly effective larvicidal, growth regulating and oviposition deterrent activity of a senescent leaf extract of M. azedarach against Ae. aegypti, suggests that such extract could represent a promising tool in the management of this mosquito pest.     

In vitro anthelmintic effect of Melia azedarach L. and Trichilia claussenii C. against sheep gastrointestinal nematodes

The control of parasitic diseases in small ruminants is mainly done with the use of synthetic anthelmintics. However, incorrect and indiscriminate use of these products has caused the emergence of parasite resistance. Plants with anthelmintic activity are used in folk veterinary medicine, but it is necessary to investigate and scientifically validate low-cost phytotherapeutic alternatives for future use to control gastrointestinal nematodes in small ruminants by family farmers. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic effect of plant extracts from Melia azedarach and Trichilia claussenii by the egg hatch test (EHT) and larval development test (LDT) against sheep gastrointestinal nematodes. The hexane extract of M. azedarach fruits was extracted through cold percolation and the methanol extract of T. claussenii leaves was obtained by extraction at room temperature in solvents in order of increasing polarity. The efficacy results were analyzed using the Probit program of SAS. The M. azedarach extract showed a LC(50) of 572.2 μg/mL and LC(99) of 1137.8 μg/mL in the EHT, and LC(50) of 0.7 μg/mL and LC(99) of 60.8 μg/mL in the LDT. In turn, the T. claussenii extract presented a LC(50) of 263.8 μg/mL and LC(99) of 522.5 μg/mL in the EHT and LC(50) of 1.1 μg/mL and LC(99) of 26.4 μg/mL in the LDT. Comparing the extracts of the species from the Meliaceae family, T. claussenii showed greater anti-parasite potential in vitro than M. azedarach. However, studies on the isolated compounds, toxicity and administration forms to animals are also needed to validate low-cost alternative herbal remedies for use to control gastrointestinal nematodes by family farmers.     

Effect of Eugenia winzerlingii Extracts on Bemisia tabaci and Evaluation of its Nursery Propagation

The development of plant-derived products to control Bemisia tabaci Genn. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is an urgent need for production of horticultural crops. Plant extracts and essential oils of several species of the genus Eugenia (Myrtaceae) have shown insecticidal activity. In southern Mexico, leaf extracts from Eugenia winzerlingii showed nematicidal effect but its insecticidal properties have not been explored. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the insecticidal effect of aqueous and organic extracts from E. winzerlingii leaves on B. tabaci egg, nymph and adult stages, and else to explore its nursery propagation. Then, extracts of this species were obtained by maceration with different polarity solvents. Bioassays were carried out on Capsicum chinense leaves. Mortality assays showed that aqueous and total crude ethanol (TCE) extracts necrosed the eggs (LC50 = 0.21% w/v and 4.68 mg/mL, respectively), whereas hexane, ethyl acetate (ETA), residual ethanol and TCE extracts affected the nymphs (LC50 = 0.25 - 4.85 mg/mL). In adults, oviposition inhibition by free choice assay indicated that TCE and ETA extracts had major activity (EC50 = 14.62 and 27.86 μg/cm2, respectively). On other hand, the sexual and vegetative propagation of E. winzerlingii showed that this species can be easily cultivated by seeds. In conclusion, extracts of E. winzerlingii leaves are highly effective in controlling B. tabaci. TCE extract, in particular, was toxic to three stages of B. tabaci. This plant could be a potential alternative to develop a novel botanical insecticide to manage this destructive pest.     

苦楝果实活性物质研究

本文报道苦楝果实中的生物活性物质。发现果实的抽提物和单体化合物不仅具有防治作物害虫的作用,而且,还对植物有生长调节作用。通过生物活性鉴定结果表明:果实种仁的水抽提物对水稻早期萌动、发芽与秧苗的生长均有促进作用。其中,处理稻种第2天(48h),其发芽率比对照高出24.67％～42.86％;第4天秧苗的根长在1cm以上占56.5％～65.0％,而对照组只有15.5％。尤其是抽提液浓度在6000ppm时处理的稻种,测得生长10d的秧苗总长为对照的120.27％,胚根长为对照的121.54％;以及叶片中的叶绿素总含量比对照高8.5％。还证明了从果实中提取分离的几种三萜类化合物和在果实中发现的一种新化合物对苯二甲酸二甲酯,均对菜青虫有拒食和胃毒活性。     

Adult response of the almond seed wasp,Eurytoma amygdali, to chemicals from its host and certain nonhosts

Females of the almond seed wasp,Eurytoma amygdali Enderlein (Hymenoptera, Eurytomidae), responded in an olfactometer positively to odours from almond flowers and unripe fruits, but not to almond leaf odours and odours from flowers and unripe fruits of certain other nonhostPrunus species. Males responded to none of these odours. Extracts of undamaged unripe almond fruits (using ethanol, methanol, acetone, hexane, dichloromethane, or petroleum ether) stimulated female aggregation on glass surfaces treated with these extracts; in addition, certain fruit extracts (ethanol, methanol, or acetone) stimulated oviposition. Extracts of undamaged almond leaves (ethanol, methanol, or acetone) and flowers (ethanol or methanol) also stimulated female aggregation and oviposition. Aggregation and oviposition in response to an ethanol extract of almond fruits was intense in females aged 5 to 14 days and from 12∶00 to 18∶00h (photophase between 06∶00 and 20∶00). Certain almond fruit (ethanol, methanol, acetone or hexane) and flower extracts (ethanol or methanol) also provoked female response in the olfactometer. The results strongly suggest that certain chemical stimuli emanating from parts of the almond tree play a major role in host selection and oviposition. Some of the extracts tested may be a good source for the isolation, identification and synthesis of compounds stimulating attraction, aggregation and oviposition in nature. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A3414024 00003     

Effects of tomato genotypes and aqueous extracts of Melia azedarach leaves and Azadirachta indica seeds on Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Insecticide plants are an important tool among the new alternatives for pest control in IPM systems because they reduce the use of synthetic insecticides, preserving human health and the environment. We investigated the effects of aqueous extracts of Melia azedarach leaves and Azadirachta indica seeds and three tomato genotypes, 'Santa Clara', 'IPA-5'--Solanum lycopersicum (=Lycopersicon esculentum Mill), and LA444-1--S. peruvianum (=L. peruvianum), on the development, reproduction and longevity of the tomato pinworm Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), under laboratory conditions. The trials were set up in a completely randomized design, with nine treatments [three genotypes x two extracts (M. azedarach and A. indica) and control]. The replication consisted on five tubes, each with three newly hatched larvae, totalizing 90 individuals per treatment. The larvae were fed with tomato leaves treated with aqueous extracts at 0.1% concentration or distilled water (control) and daily observed until adults' emergence. Larval and pupal development and mortality, pupal weight, longevity and fecundity were evaluated. The accession LA444-1 negatively affected the development and reproduction of T. absoluta; the tomato pinworm had similar development and reproduction on 'IPA-5' and 'Santa Clara' (the susceptible control). The association of resistant tomato genotypes and extracts of M. azedarach leaves and neem seeds did not result in synergistic or antagonistic effects on T. absoluta.     

蚊蝇醚及添加有机硅对B型烟粉虱的毒力和田间药效

研究了蚊蝇醚及添加有机硅对各发育虫期B型烟粉虱的毒力和田间药效.室内试验结果表明:蚊蝇醚对烟粉虱具有高杀卵活性和较好的杀若虫作用,但对成虫的毒力较低;成虫接触经蚊蝇醚处理的茄子叶片48 h后,在无药叶片上的产卵量无明显变化,但卵的孵化率显著降低,蚊蝇醚具有优异的经卵巢杀卵活性.有机硅助剂对蚊蝇醚没有表现出明显的增效作用.田间药效试验发现, 蚊蝇醚对茄子上的烟粉虱若虫有较佳的防治效果,但对成虫的防治效果较差.     

Effects of Melia azedarach, (Meliaceae) fruit extracts on the leafminer Liriomyza huidobrensis, (Diptera, Agromyzidae): Assessment in laboratory and field experiments

Control of the widely distributed pest Liriomyza huidobrensis, is complicated due to the protected habit of the leafmining larvae, and their resistance to insecticides. The effects of Melia azedarach, (Meliaceae) fruit extracts against adults and larvae of L. huidobrensis, were investigated. In the laboratory, leaves of Cucurbita, sp. infested with first and third instar larvae were treated with different extract solutions. Larval and pupal survival, as well as wing‐spread of adults, were ssessed. Female adult behaviour towards the extract was also analysed in terms of number of feeding punctures and number of offspring left on treated/untreated leaves. In the field, an infested Vicia faba, crop was sprayed four times at weekly intervals with plant extract, water, and a blank solution. The number of adult leafminers and parasitoids emerging from sampled leaves from each treatment were compared. The laboratory tests showed translaminar action of the extracts, which negatively affected leafminer pupal survival, while body size was not affected. The extracts also deterred feeding by adult females and may also have caused reduction in oviposition rates. All solutions and concentrations tested had similar effects. In the field, extract effects were consistent with those from laboratory trials, number of pupae and pupal survival being lower on treated plants. Percentage parasitism was not affected by plant extract treatment, suggesting a selective activity.     

烟粉虱成虫对黄瓜叶龄的喜好性及与后代发育适合度间的关系

在室内采用笼罩和发育测定方法,研究了烟粉虱成虫对黄瓜叶龄的喜好性及其与后代生长发育、存活之间的关系,同时调查了叶毛密度与成虫喜好性之间的相关关系。结果表明(1)烟粉虱成虫比较喜欢在黄瓜植株的中部叶片取食和产卵。(2)叶龄对烟粉虱的存活率没有显著影响,对烟粉虱的发育历期只在卵期和若虫四龄期表现出显著影响,对其他龄期或整个世代均没有显著影响。(3)叶毛密度随着叶龄的增大而顺次显著减小;在接虫初始阶段,烟粉虱成虫的叶片选择性与叶毛密度成显著负相关关系,但72h后具有中等叶毛密度的叶片上的成虫数量和着卵量均显著高于叶毛密度较大或较小的叶片。研究结果对培育抗烟粉虱的黄瓜品种和改进烟粉虱的防治措施具有一定指导意义。     

三种植物提取物对菟丝子及大豆生长发育和宿主保护酶活性的影响

利用不同浓度的苦楝树皮和叶、隆缘桉叶和乌桕叶的乙醇提取物对菟丝子及其宿主大豆幼苗进行处理,15d后评价三种提取物对菟丝子和大豆幼苗的影响。结果表明:三种提取物在低浓度时对菟丝子及其宿主大豆幼苗生长发育均无显著影响,在高浓度(0.25g/mL)下,桉树叶提取物对大豆和菟丝子的损伤程度分别达到了64%和70%,苦楝树皮提取物对菟丝子损伤程度为78%,但对大豆幼苗仅为7%。桉树叶和苦楝树皮提取物处理均导致大豆叶片超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性升高,最高值分别为相应对照组的2.37倍和2.0倍;但对过氧化物酶(POD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性的影响不同,桉树叶提取物使大豆幼苗POD活性最大值为对照组的2.28倍,而苦楝树皮提取物处理则是CAT活性升高,最大值为对照组的1.58倍,提示桉树叶提取物对大豆较强的伤害作用与其较低的CAT活性有关。     

Compatibility of a Melia azedarach extract with Eriopis connexa (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

The integrated pest management (IPM) premises claim for a joint use of beneficial organisms (parasitoids and predators) and selective pesticides. Botanical pesticides are being considered as selective pesticides. During the last 20 years of the 20th century, the plant family Meliaceae was identified as a promising source of compounds with insect-control properties. The Chinaberry tree, Melia azedarach L., is a deciduous tree native to Persia, India, and China, but has been cultivated in many countries including Africa, Australia, and the Americas. It is a source of tetranortriterpenoid compounds called meliatoxins, which have similar structures and insecticidal activities compared to azadirachtin. Eriopis connexa Germar (Coleoptera: Coccinelidae) is a native predator from the Neotropical Region. It is a beneficial organism associated to several agro-ecosystems, feeding on soft-bodies pest such as aphids, whiteflies and thrips. In horticultural crops, it has been observed to feed on worldwide important pest such as Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Heteroptera: Aleyrodeidae) and Myzus persicae L. (Heteroptera: Aphididae), both of them considered as virus vectors. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the side-effects of M. azaderach (Meliaceas) extract on eggs, larvae and adults of Eriopis connexa. Extracts from unripe fruits (1%, w/w, obtained by the CEPROCOR, Cordoba-Argentina) were employed for ecotoxicological bioassays. The exposure method was by immersion for eggs and by ingestion of drinking water for adults. The botanical extract solutions were prepared using distilled water as solvent and a tensioactive (Tween 20) for topical application. The bioassays were carried out in the laboratory under controlled conditions: 23 +/- 0.5 degrees C temperature, 75 +/- 5% RH and 16:8 (L:D) photoperiod. Hatching, development time, adult emergence, pre-oviposition period, fecundity and fertility were evaluated as endpoints. No detrimental effects were observed in treated organisms irrespective of the exposure way and development stage. According to these preliminary results, M. azaderach fruit extracts can be compatible with E. connexa for pest control. However, future studies should be addressed to conclude about its toxicity on beneficial organisms.     

辣椒碱对烟粉虱的生物活性及生长发育和生殖力的影响

在实验室条件下研究了辣椒碱对烟粉虱的生物活性及生长发育和生殖力的影响.结果表明:辣椒碱对烟粉虱各虫态均有杀虫活性,且随辣椒碱浓度的增大活性增强;辣椒碱浸叶法/浸虫法处理对烟粉虱成虫、卵和若虫的毒力(LC50分别为3525.79、1603.29和1526.27mg·L-1))均高于内吸法处理(LC50分别为5360.04、2359.19和5897.43 mg.L-1),两种处理方法下辣椒碱对烟粉虱卵的毒力均明显高于对成虫的毒力;2000和4000 mg·L-1浓度辣椒碱对烟粉虱成虫具有明显的拒食作用,烟粉虱在该两种浓度辣椒碱处理过的棉花叶上取食24 h的蜜露分泌量均显著低于取食非处理棉花叶后的蜜露分泌量;辣椒碱各试验浓度对烟粉虱成虫均表现出较强的产卵忌避作用,当辣椒碱处理浓度达4000 mg·L-1时,对烟粉虱的选择性产卵忌避率和非选择性产卵忌避率分别高达94.2％和83.0％.500、1000和2000 mg·L-1辣椒碱浸渍处理对烟粉虱存活卵和若虫的发育历期、成虫羽化率均没有影响,但辣椒碱4000mg·L-1处理明显延长烟粉虱若虫发育历期、降低成虫羽化率.不同浓度辣椒碱处理均明显抑制烟粉虱生殖力,且这种抑制作用随辣椒碱浓度的增大而增强.     

Repellent and insecticidal activities of Melia azedarach L. against cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.)

A crude acetone extract and oil of ripe fruits from Melia azedarach L. were evaluated against the 2nd and 4th instar larvae of Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Both oil and extract exhibited highly significant growth inhibition at all concentrations tested, while the oil of M. azedarach recorded higher insecticidal activity against both instars than the crude extract. GC-MS analysis of the oil revealed the presence of linoleic acid methyl ester, oleic acid methyl ester, and free oleic acid as the main components in addition to hexadecanol, palmitic acid, methyl esters of stearic acid and myristic acid. Fatty acids and their esters were not only the main constituents of essential oil from the ripe fruits of M. azedarach, but also mainly responsible for the insecticidal and growth inhibition activity against S. littoralis.     

Stimuli affecting selection of oviposition sites by female peach twig borer, Anarsia lineatella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

In laboratory and field experiments, stimuli were tested that might affect oviposition decisions by female peach twig borer moths, Anarsia lineatella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). When given a choice between immature green peach fruits, green mature peach fruits and soft-ripe peach fruits, the latter received the fewest eggs. Fuzzy halves of peach fruits received ten times more eggs then shaved hairless halves. Volatiles from both almond and peach shoots induced more oviposition by females than by control stimuli. Similarly, volatiles from immature green peach fruits, mature green or mature hard-ripe peach fruits induced more oviposition than their respective control stimuli. In a choice experiment, volatiles from immature peach fruit stimulated three times more oviposition than those from soft-ripe peach fruit. Discrimination against mature soft-ripe peach fruits as potential oviposition sites may lie in the phenology of A. lineatella and host peach fruits. Larval development to the pupal stage takes 15–27 days. Therefore, any eggs laid on a ripe fruit 14 days before it falls from the tree will not likely develop into adult insects because developing larvae will only reach third or fourth instar before the fruit is decomposed, and only first and second instar larvae can overwinter.     

Insect growth regulatory activity of some extracts and compounds from Parthenium argentatum on fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda

The methanolic extract from aerial parts of Parthenium argentatum, afforded argentatin A and B. These compounds were evaluated for their effect on the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). Toosendanin, a commercial insecticide derived from Melia azedarach was used as positive control. When tested for activity, using neonate larvae into the no-choice artificial diet bioassays, argentatin A, argentatin B and methanol extract caused significant growth inhibitory activity with GC50 of 17.8, 36.1 and 6.4 ppm at 7 days, respectively, and increased the development time of surviving larvae in a concentration-dependent manner with RGI values of 0.40, 0.60 and 0.26, at 25.0, 25.0 and 5.0 ppm, respectively. In addition, it was possible to observe in most of the treated groups a significant delay in the time of pupation, adult emergence and deformities. Acute toxicity against adults of S. frugiperda was also found, MeOH extract had the most potent activity with LD50 value of 3.10 ppm. In addition, MeOH extract and argentatin A caused acetylcholinesterase inhibition of 93.7% and 90.0%, at 5.0 and 50.0 ppm, respectively; whereas argentatin B had only slight inhibitory activity. Therefore, the MeOH extract was identified as insecticidal extract from P. argentatum with activity at concentrations above 15.0 ppm.     

Effect of methanolic extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) and bakain (Melia azedarach L) seeds on oviposition and egg hatching of Earias vittella (Fab.) (Lep., Noctuidae)

Abstract: The effects of methanolic extracts of neem ( Azadirachta indica ) and bakain ( Melia azedarach ) seeds on the oviposition behaviour and hatchability of eggs of Earias vittella were investigated under laboratory conditions. Treatments included 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% concentrations of both extracts to compare with nimbecidine and untreated control. When able to choose, the adults preferred to lay a greater number of eggs on the untreated portion of the oviposition substrate (muslin) compared with the extract-treated portion. However, under no-choice conditions, higher concentrations of extracts caused proportionate reductions in the number of eggs laid. The extracts also manifested repellent activity by reducing the number of eggs laid even when the ovipositing females were not in direct contact with the extracts. Eggs laid on extract-treated oviposition substrate exhibited reduced hatching and marked adverse effects on hatching were noticed when the eggs were dipped in different concentrations of extracts. Adults fed on an extract-containing sucrose diet laid significantly fewer eggs with poor hatching. There was no egg laying when the moths were fed on a sucrose diet containing 6, 8 and 10% neem and 10% bakain extracts.