Comparative Toxicity of Aqueous and Methanolic Extracts of Brown Macroalgae against Tobacco Cutworm, Spodoptera litura Fabricius

The present study aimed to find the toxicity of aqueous and methanol extracts three different brown macroalgae viz., Padina tetrastromatica, Sargassum wightii Turbinaria conoides against tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura. Larval mortality was noticed in both at all concentrations tested a dose-dependent increase after 96 h exposure with 73.33, 56.66, 50.00 per cent extract; 50.00, 46.66 43.33 10 % concentration S. wightii, T. P. respectively. Pre-pupal pupal were recorded showing malformations during growth. Pupation adult emergence also affected by wightii. From results, it is surmised that possess insecticidal potential growth inhibitory properties which can be exploited for eco-friendly management litura possibly other lepidopteran larvae as well.