Chemical profiling of polyphenols in extracts from bark of Acacia nilotica (Linn.) and their efficacy against Spodoptera litura (Fab.)

Abstract

Six different crude extracts from bark powder of an important medicinal plant, Acacia nilotica (L.) were investigated for their toxicity against Spodoptera litura (Fab.). Total phenolic content in six crude extracts was measured. Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) was also performed for qualitative analysis of six crude extracts which revealed the presence of 11 phenolic compounds. Bioassays conducted with all crude extracts revealed maximum adverse effect with acetone extract. Duration of larval period and total development period was found to be prolonged. Various aberrations were observed in pupae and adults in the form of wrinkled pupae, blackened pupae, bulged out head part of pupae, partially emerged adults and adults with crumpled wings. All nutritional indices viz. RGR, RCR, ECI, ECD and AD decreased with treatment. The findings indicated that A. nilotica had considerable potential in the management of this serious insect pest.

Keywords:

• Spodoptera litura
• plant secondary metabolites
• allelochemicals
• phenolics
• Acacia nilotica

Abbreviations:

• UHPLC: Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography
• HE: Hexane Extract
• CE: Chloroform Extract
• EAE: Ethyl Acetate Extract
• AE: Acetone Extract
• ME: Methanol Extract
• WE: Water Extract
• ppm: parts per million

Acknowledgement

The grant received from UGC, New Delhi [F.No. – 43-551/2014 (SR)] for conducting the research work is gratefully acknowledged.