EFFECT OF CERTAIN PLANT EXTRACTS ON THE LIFE CYCLE OF Leucinodes orbonalis (Guenee): A COMPARITIVE STUDY.

Brinjal is one of the widely consumed vegetables by people belonging to different strata of the society across the country due to its rich nutritive value and economic viability. It is originally a summer crop but owing to its increasing demand it is now being grown as a perennial crop in most parts of the country. This has made the crop susceptible to a wide range of pests and the insect pest Leucinodes orbonalis (Guenee) is the most destructive pest of this crop causing high yield losses and creating a major hindrance in brinjal cultivation. Leucinodes orbonalis (Guenee) is an internal borer by feeding habit which has made studies on this insect more challenging. Also, the insect has gained resistance to some already available chemical insecticides. Plant extracts with potent insecticidal properties contribute significantly in the management of insect pests through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. The present study is a comparative account of the effect of certain commonly found plants on the life cycle of the insect pest Leucinodes orbonalis (Guenee). The study reveals that flowering plants like Marigold can curb the pest population significantly. Botanical pesticides are advantageous as they are non-toxic and do not alter the taste and quality of the fruits.