Insecticidal activity of Vitex mollis

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Entomology
• Natural Product Chemistry
• Toxicology

Background:

• The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a significant global pest impacting corn production.
• Developing sustainable and effective pest management strategies is crucial for agriculture.
• Vitex mollis is a plant species with potential for bioactive compound discovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the insecticidal and insect growth regulatory activity of Vitex mollis leaf extracts against fall armyworm neonate larvae.
• To identify the most active extract fraction for potential pest control applications.

Main Methods:

• Organic extracts were prepared from Vitex mollis leaves using various solvents.
• Extracts were tested for toxic effects on fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) neonate larvae.
• The most active extract was also assessed for toxicity using the Artemia salina bioassay.

Main Results:

• Organic extracts from Vitex mollis leaves exhibited significant insecticidal and insect growth regulatory activity against fall armyworm larvae.
• The chloroform-methanol (1:1) extract demonstrated the highest level of activity.
• This potent extract also showed toxicity in the Artemia salina test, suggesting broader biological activity.

Conclusions:

• Vitex mollis leaf extracts possess promising properties for developing natural insecticides against the fall armyworm.
• The chloroform-methanol extract is a strong candidate for further investigation and potential development as a biopesticide.
• Further research should explore the specific active compounds and their modes of action.