Evaluation of aqueous plant extracts on Spodoptera eridania (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract

Spodoptera eridania (Cramer) is a polyphagous species that feeds on several crops, causing major damage. However, its control is difficult. Then, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Capsicum baccatum L., Eucalyptus grandis (Hill) and Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt on the development of S. eridania when incorporated in artificial diet. After obtaining the aqueous extract (10% w/v), these were incorporated into the diet and offered to the caterpillars. To the control group was offered only diet. The experimental design was completely randomized, and each treatment consisted of 4 replicates with 15 larvae per replicate. The larval mortality, the weight of larvae and pupae, and larval duration of the cycle were evaluated. E. grandis presented the higher efficiency upon S. eridania, causing 100% of mortality and the lowest larval weight (1.0±0.3mg), followed by C. baccatum, which caused 61,7% of mortality, reduced larval (21.1±2.3mg) and puppal weight (197.0±5.7mg). These results indicate that both plants affect the development of S. eridania and are potential options to control this insect. KEYWORDS: Cymbopogon winterianus, Capsicum baccatum, Eucalyptus grandis, insecticide plant