Larvicidal and Biochemical Effects of Ipomoea carnea (Convolvulaceae) Methanolic Leaf Extract Against Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Under Laboratory Conditions

Abstract

Simple Summary The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is one of the most destructive insect pests affecting maize and several other crops worldwide. Excessive use of synthetic insecticides has led to environmental concerns and the development of insecticidal resistance. Therefore, there is a dire need for environmentally friendly alternatives. Ipomoea carnea methanolic leaf extract was evaluated (under standard laboratory conditions) against the second and fourth instar larvae of S. frugiperda. The extract caused high larval mortality, reduced larval and pupal growth and induced developmental abnormalities. The extract decreased AChE and esterase activity and increased peroxidase activity. These findings are consistent with neurophysiological disruption and activation of oxidative stress. Chemical analyses of Ipomoea using HPLC and GC–MS revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds that may contribute to the observed insecticidal activities. These findings suggest that I. carnea methanolic leaf extract could be promising convenient insecticide against S. frugiperda. Further field investigation into the efficacy of I. carnea methanolic leaf extract against S. frugiperda and the non-target organisms was required.