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VOL. 11, ISSUE 2 (2026)
Larvicidal, pupicidal, and ovicidal activities of hexane and methanol extracts of Melochia Corchorifolia against the castor semilooper, Achaea Janata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors
Nasira Parveen N, Deep B, Dharani P, K Elumalai
Abstract
This study evaluated the larvicidal, pupicidal, and ovicidal effects of
hexane and methanol extracts of Melochia corchorifolia (Malvaceae),
commonly known as “chocolate weed,” against third-instar larvae, pupae, and
freshly laid eggs of the castor semilooper, Achaea janata, under
laboratory conditions. Leaves were extracted successively with hexane and
methanol, and the extracts were tested at concentrations of 50, 100, 200, 400,
and 800 mg/L. Both extracts produced mortality that increased with
concentration, and the methanol extract was significantly more toxic than the
hexane extract. At 800 mg/L, the methanol extract caused 98.33 ± 1.45%
larvicidal, 96.67 ± 1.67% pupicidal, and 95.00 ± 1.83% ovicidal activity within
72 hours, whereas the hexane extract produced lower rates. The LC₅₀ and LC₉₀
values were consistently lower for the methanol extract, indicating stronger
bio-insecticidal activity. These findings suggest that M. corchorifolia extracts,
especially the methanol extract, are promising eco-friendly options for
controlling A. janata and support further isolation of active compounds
and field testing.
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Pages:274-280
How to cite this article:
Nasira Parveen N, Deep B, Dharani P, K Elumalai "Larvicidal, pupicidal, and ovicidal activities of hexane and methanol extracts of <i>Melochia Corchorifolia</i> against the castor semilooper, <i>Achaea Janata</i> (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 11, Issue 2, 2026, Pages 274-280
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