EFFECTS OF CRUDE EXTRACT FROM DERRIS ELLIPTICA BENTH. ON THE CONTROL OF COMMON CUTWORM (Spodoptera litura Fabricius)

Abstract

This research aimed to study the effectiveness of controlling common cutworms using crude extracts from the roots, leaves, and stems of Derris elliptica Benth. extracted with ethanol at various concentrations (0.5, 1, 4, 8, and 10% w/v). It was found that the crude extract from Derris elliptica Benth. roots at a concentration of 10% w/v caused the most common cutworm deaths within 7 days, up to 40%. This was followed by extracts from the leaves and stems, causing 30% and 20% mortality, respectively. In feeding tests, the crude extract from the roots showed a high antifeeding effect on common cutworms, with a percent antifeedant index          (% AFI) of 45.81. The crude extracts from the leaves and stems had % AFIs of 31.21 and 10.67, respectively. These experimental results demonstrated that the crude extracts from the roots, leaves, and stems of Derris elliptica Benth. at a 10% w/v concentration were the most effective in causing deaths of common cutworms within 7 days. These extracts could potentially be used to control pest insects as an alternative to chemical pesticides in agriculture.