Insecticidal and antifeedant bioactivities of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil on Ascia monuste orseis

This study evaluated the bioactive effects of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil on behavior and mortality Ascia monuste orseis caterpillars. The experiment was conducted at laboratory under controlled conditions using a completely randomized design with six treatments, represented by A. caterpillars fed collard leaves treated 0 (control), 5, 10, 20, 30, or 40 mg mL−1 oil. Each treatment consisted five replicates four third-instar Mean daily intake leaves, feces production, mortality, behavioral changes were assessed for 15 days after beginning experiment. Data leaf production subjected to analysis variance F-test; when significant differences found, data regression analysis. Corrected rate calculated F-test followed Tukey’s test 5% significance level comparison means. median lethal dose (LD50) also evaluated. Two very clear feeding behaviors observed, one in exposed concentrations 20 mL−1, which showed little difference feed from control, other highest (30 mL−1), decrease 76 93% compared control. Lower resulted negative increased linearly concentration. curve linear positive response concentration, reaching 100% insects concentrations. LD50 13.93 mL−1.