<![CDATA[The armyworm Spodoptera litura F. is a polyphagous pest capable of causing yield losses of up to 80% across more than 200 plantspecies. Excessive reliance on synthetic insecticides has prompted the exploration of more environmentally friendly botanicalalternatives. This study aimed to evaluate the bioactivity of the ethanolic leaf extract of Durio zibethinus Murr. against third-instar S. litura larvae under laboratory conditions. Testing was conducted using the leaf-dipping method at concentrations of 0% (control), 2.5%, 5%, 10%, and 20%, with four replicates per treatment (n = 10 larvae per replicate). Larval mortality was observed at 48 and 72 hours post-treatment (HPT), and cumulative mortality was monitored up to day 13. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, triterpenoids/steroids, flavonoids, phenols/tannins, and saponins. Probit analysis yielded an LC₅₀ value of 28.004% (95% CI: 21.901–50.669%) at 72 HPT— equivalent to 280 g/L—which falls into the non-toxic category according to Lestari & Beni (2020). Despite its low acute toxicity, the extract demonstrated significant antifeedant activity, with a reduction in food consumption reaching 85.2% at the 20% concentration, alongside measurable inhibition of larval growth; morphological observations revealed growth inhibition, delayed molting, changes in body color, and cannibalistic behavior at the 10% concentration. These findings indicate that D. zibethinus leaf extract functions primarily through antifeedant and growth-inhibiting mechanisms, making it a promising candidate for botanical insecticide use in integrated pest management programs. Further research using higher concentrations and field trials is recommended to validate the potential practical application of D. zibethinus leaf extract in sustainable pest management.]]>
Copyrights © 2026
