EFFECT OF LEAF EXTRACTS OF TEOSINTE, ZEA DIPLOPERENNIS L., AND A MEXICAN MAIZE VARIETY, CRIOLLO ‘Uruapeño’, ON THE GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF THE FALL ARMYWORM (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE)

Abstract

The effects of leaf extracts of teosinte, Zea diploperennis L., and a Mexican maize variety, criollo ‘Uruapeño’, on the growth and survival of the fall armyworm larvae were evaluated under laboratory conditions. Hexane, methanol, and aqueous extractions were made and the extracts and residual fiber were separately incorporated into a modified Poitout & Bues meridic diet. The hexanic and methanolic extracts were concentrated in a rotary evaporator and 30 ml of each were mixed to 20 g of cellulose and then incorporated to a meridic diet. Aqueous leaf extract was not concentrated. Larval cumulative mortality, larval weight, days to pupation, pupae weight, pupae length and width, days to adult emergence were evaluated. The hexanic extract of both plants enhanced most of the FAW growth parameters. Methanolic extract and residual fiber of both plants negatively affected the pupae length and width. The aqueous extract caused 100% of larval cumulative mortality. Larvae fed on diets containing residual fiber of both plants exhibited antibiotic effects.

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