Determining the Anti-insect Activities of Solvent Extracts of Andrographis paniculata on the Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella (L.)

Abstract

Diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus.) is a major pest of Brassicaceae crops, causing significant production loss globally. The insecticidal activities of Andrographis paniculata solvent extracts against diamondback moth were investigated as an alternative to pesticides. Among the extracts tested, cent per cent mortality was observed in hexane extract of A. paniculata at 0.6 per cent concentration. At 0.6 percent concentrations, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts had maximum death rates of 65.00 and 90.00%, respectively. The present study supported the occurrence of insect-specific antagonistic bioactive compounds in A. paniculata and depicted favored choice of solvents for the extraction of insecticidal constituents. It also underpins its potential as an alternative source of natural compounds for the management of pests.