Chemical composition, insecticidal and physiological effect of methanol extract of sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua L.) on Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract

In this study larvae of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) were reared on artificial diet in controlled room. Extract of Artemisia annua L. a medicinal plant was incorporated into diet in various concentrations (i.e. 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 g/g of artificial diet). The LC₁₀, LC₃₀ and LC₅₀ values after 48 h treatment were estimated to be 12.4, 16.12 and 19.32 g/g of diet, respectively. The major constituents of the extract of A. annua were determined by GC-Mass. The results of present study confirm the earlier findings on this plant species as a potential medicinal plant in the possible control of several insect pests of crops.

Keywords:

• Artemisia annua
• enzyme activity
• feeding indices
• Helicoverpa armigera
• toxicity
• GC-MS

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.