The toxicity and physiological effect of neem limonoids on Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenee) the rice leaffolder

The effect of neem (Azadirachta indica) limonoids azadirachtin, salannin, deacetylgedunin, gedunin, 17-hydroxyazadiradione, and deaceytlnimbin on gut enzyme activity of the rice leaffolder larvae was investigated. When fed a diet of rice leaves treated with limonoids in bioassays, gut tissue enzymes-acid phosphatases (ACP), alkaline phosphatases (ALP), and adenosine triphosphatases (ATPase) activities of rice leaffolder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis) larvae are affected. Azadirachtin was most potent in all experiments. Larvae that were chronically exposed to limonoids showed a reduction in weight (59-89%) and exhibited a significant reduction in ACP, ALP, and ATPase activities. These results indicate neem limonoids affects gut enzyme activities. These effects are most pronounced in early instars. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.