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Larvicidal Effect of Asparagus racemosus and Induced Biochemical Changes in Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier)

Author: Chandana J.S. and Ajitha V.S.

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Abstract

The Red Palm Weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier), is a serious insect pest which attacks coconut trees. Control of RPW is difficult due to the concealed nature of the life cycle of the pest. The present study investigates the insecticidal potential of of Asparagus racemosus extracts against this serious pest of the coconut palm. The ethanolic extract of Asparagus was found to be most effective in causing a high rate of mortality in fourth-instar larvae. The LD50 value of plant extract was 1041.08. After treating with sublethal concentration of the extract, the larvae showed significant alterations in enzyme assays and nucleic acid level. The results of this study obviously indicate the presence of phytochemicals having insecticidal potential in this plant extract. Qualitative analysis of plant extract revealed presence of several secondary metabolites. Botanical pesticides can be an effective alternative to chemical pesticides to reduce environmental as well as health hazards.

Keywords

Asparagus racemosus, Rhynchophorous ferrugineus, LD 50, Enzyme assay, Botanical pesticide

Conclusion

The results obtained in this study Asparagus racemosus extract-treated insects clearly indicate that the extract cause mortality in larvae by disrupting the normal metabolic pathway in the insect body. Enzyme assays conducted in both control and experimental larvae provide information regarding the stress induced by the plant extract, which eventually resulted in high larval mortality rate. Qualitative analysis of the ethanol extract of Asparagus revealed the presence of many phytochemicals which have known insecticidal properties.

References

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How to cite this article

Chandana J.S. and Ajitha V.S. (2023). Larvicidal Effect of Asparagus racemosus and Induced Biochemical Changes in Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier). Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(3): 798-804.