Evaluation of two eco friendly botanical oils on cotton leaf worm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd) (Lepidoptera/Noctuidae)

Abstract

The cotton leaf worm, Spodoptera littoralis is main pest on several economic crops. The producer used intensity chemical pesticide to decrease their population that lead to appear new generations overcomes it. The present search is targeted to suggest other components from natural sources which more safety to ecosystem and had ability to reduce the insect prohibition. Experiments were implemented to search the effect of two vegetable oils (Moringa Moringa oleifera L. and bitter almond, Prunus amygdalus var amara) which were prepared with special formulation on eggs hatchability and mortality percentage of 1st, 3rd larval instars and their impact on feeding process and fitness of the cotton leaf worm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) under laboratory conditions. The different concentrations of tested oils were recorded impact on all stages but at variable levels. The highest reduction in eggs hatchability and mortality percentage of 1st and 3rd instar larvae were recorded in case of treatment by 10% bitter almond concentration. Larval growth and fitness indices and pupation by 10% bitter almond. Feeding 3rd instar larvae on leaves treated by 5% bitter almond also caused reduction in rate of food consumption (55.5%) and recorded antifeedant index reach to 38.2% comparable to control. The present results clearly indicate that the tested plant oils exhibit insecticidal and antifeedant activities against eggs and larval stages of cotton leafworm insect.