Effect of Murraya koenigii extracts on feeding and ovipositional response of Spodoptera litura (Fab.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The antifeedant and oviposition deterrent activity of hexane extract of Murraya koenigii leaves was evaluated at five different concentrations against the fourth instar larvae and gravid females of Spodoptera litura. Hexane extract showed feeding deterrence activity in a concentration dependent manner. The antifeedant index at all the five concentrations was significantly higher as compared to control being highest at 5% concentration (60.77) and lowest at 1% concentration (13.72). Similarly, leaf extract suppressed the egg laying of gravid females. The oviposition deterrence index was lowest at 1% (23.99) and highest at 5% (73.31) concentration of extract. The results clearly indicate the presence of some antifeedant and oviposition deterrent chemicals in M. koenigii leaves that can be exploited for the management of S. litura.