Insecticidal and growth inhibitory activity of essential oils of Boenninghausenia albiflora and Teucrium quadrifarium against Spilarctia obliqua

Essential oils of Boenninghausenia albiflora and Teucrium quadrifarium were evaluated as pesticidal and insect growth regulator against Spilarctia obliqua. Essential oils of B. albiflora and T. quadrifarium were analysed by GC MS, which revealed the presence of total 31 and 45 compounds, respectively. Topical application of these oils on ventral mesothoracic region on IIIrd instar larvae caused extended larval and pupal periods, increased larval mortality and adult deformity and decreased larval and pupal weight, adult emergence, fecundity of female and egg fertility which were significant in comparison to the control. These findings suggested that the essential oils of B. albifiora and T. quadrifarium possessed potential growth regulatory properties thus, making them suitable at new natural insecticides for integrated pest management programs for the management of S. obliqua.