Abstract:
The leaf extract and its fractions of Peganum harmala
L. have shown pronounced mortal effect, decreased percent pupation
and adult emergence of the cotton leaf worm, Spodoptera littoralis
Boisd. The third instar larvae fed for two days on treated leaves
were more susceptible to plant extract and its ethyl acetate and chloroform
fractions. The active lowest concentration (5%) of the leaf fractions
of P. harmala showed significant effect on the percentage of emerged
adult parasitoids, Microplitis rufiventris Kok. GC/MS analysis
showed the major constituent in ethyl acetate fraction was (23S) ethylcholest-5-en-3
beta-ol (28.04%) while those of chloroform fraction were hydroxyfuranocoumarin
(Bergaptol) (15.68%), piperidinone (12.08%), thymol (11.82%), phosphoric
acid, tributyl ester (9.80%) and trimethyl-nonenol (9.66%). The medicinal
plant P. harmala could be carefully applied in integrated pest
management due to its strong effect on cotton leaf worm pest.
Mourad Shonouda, Salah Osman, Osama Salama and Amal Ayoub, 2008. Toxical Effect of Peganum harmala L. Leaves on
the Cotton Leaf Worm, Spodoptera littoralis Boisd and its Parasitoids
Microplitis rufiventris Kok. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 11: 546-552.
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