Insecticidal activity of the leaf and flower extracts from Lantana camara L. and Caesalpinia pulcherrima Swartz (Philippines)

The crude extracts, oils and/or flavonoids from the flowers and leaves of lantana (Lantana camara L.) and caballero (Caesalpinia pulcherrima Swartz) were evaluated for insecticidal properties on five insect species by topical application and/or leaf spraying. The oil from caballero was more toxic than the lantana oil. The order of decreasing susceptibility of the test insects to the oils is: black armyworm (Spodoptera exempta Walk.), cotton stainer, diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella L.). The flavonoids from caballero flowers was non-toxic topically to the test insects. The oils and water extracts from the leaves and flowers of both plants were antifeeding and repellant to the DBM larvae. The insecticidal action on other insect pests and the stability and effectiveness of the extract in the field need to be evaluated