Effect of Lantana camara (L.) on growth, development and survival of tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura Fabricius)*

A crude aqueous extract from the leaves of Lantana camara (L.) was tested for its insecticidal property on the fourth instar larvae of Spodoptera litura (F.) under laboratory conditions. Different concentrations of the plant extract were used for topical and leaf application tests to assess their effect on feeding, growth and the survival rate of the insect at different stages of its development. The botanical concentrations of 5 to 40 per cent caused more than 55 per cent total mortality in both topical and leaf application groups. The maximum mean per cent mortality for topical treatment was 96.66 at 40 per cent concentration. Results from the leaf application tests showed 100 per cent mortality in the subgroups fed with castor leaves treated with the extract of 40 per cent concentration. In the topical treatment, LC50 and LC90 were found to be 19.95 and 35.6, and for leaf application, 20.16 and 36.89 respectively.