Abstract

VALENCIA J, ARNUBIO et al. Effect of Jatropha gossypiifolia leaf extracts on three Lepidoptera species . Rev. Colomb. Entomol. [online]. 2006, vol.32, n.1, pp.45-48. ISSN 0120-0488.

Leaf extracts of Jatropha gossypiifolia L. (Euphorbiaceae) contain compounds that are toxic to insects. In this study, these extracts were tested against larvae of three lepidopteran species, Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Ostrinia nubilalis Hubner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Sesamia nonagrioides Lef. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), which are important pests of maize in Africa, Europe and Mediterranean countries, respectively. Leaf extracts were shown to be highly toxic to neonate larvae of B. fusca and O. nubilalis quickly after they were ingested. In contrast, no effect was found on fourth instar O. nubilalis and a low level of toxicity was observed on neonates of S. nonagrioides . Given the toxicity of J. gossypiifolia to larval neonates of B. fusca and O. nubilalis , this extract can be used for the control of these species when they are colonizing the plant.

Keywords : Euphorbiaceae; Noctuidae; Busseola fusca ; Pyralidae; Ostrinia nubilalis ; Sesamia nonagrioides ; LC 50.

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