Bioactivity of Pseudocalymma alliaceum(Lam.)Sandwith(Bignoniaceae)against Spodoptera litura Fabricius and Helicoverpa armigera Hübner(Lepidotera:Noctuidae)

Objective:To evaluate the antifeedant,larvicidal and insect growth inhibitory activities of crude extracts of Pseudocalymma alliaceum tested against fourth instar larvae of Spodoptera litura(S.litura)and Helicoverpa armigera(H.armigera).Methods:Hexane,chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts were prepared and tested for antifeedant,insecticidal and growth inhibitory activities against fourth instar larvae of S.litura and H.armigera.Results:Ethyl acetate extract showed promising antifeedant,insecticidal activity against S.litura and H.armigera.Maximum percentage of deformed larvae,pupae and adults were found on treatment with ethyl acetate extract.Percentage of successful adult emergence was deteriorated by extract treated larvae.Ethyl acetate extracts of Pseudocalymma alliaceum,showed higher percentage of antifeedant,insecticidal and growth inhibition activities.Conclusions:This is the first report on S.litura and H.armigera.Further,the active compounds isolated from the ethyl acetate extracts will be useful for controlling economically important insect pests.