The Bio-Insecticidal Activity of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Leaves Extract against Spodoptera litura Fabr. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larval Growth

Abstract

Background: Papaya leaves produce several metabolites that may be toxic to an insect pest. In East Java, it is easy to find two cultivars in the yard, plantation, and moors, such as Thailand and local papaya. However, information about their utilization as bio-pesticides remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between those papaya cultivars and the effect of their extracts on Spodoptera litura larvae. Methods: The Thailand papaya cultivar (TPC) and Indonesian papaya cultivar (IPC) leaves were obtained from the medium and lowlands and were macerated with methanol until obtained a papaya leaves extract (PLE). The S. litura larvae on the instar phase 2 (n= 630) were used for treatment. The Ricinus communis leaves were sprayed with PLE concentrations of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% and fed to S. litura larvae. Result: Based on the secondary metabolites, the papaya cultivars form two clusters associated with its origin. The 40 and 50% concentrations of PLE significantly affect the mortality and head-capsule width of S. litura indicated with broken pupae and failure to transform to imago. This result signifies the potential of papaya leaves extract as bioinsecticide for S. litura larvae.