• Deepthi TR
• Vima Valsan

The present study has been undertaken to assess the insecticidal value of the pteridophyte, Nephrolepis sp. In this work, the effects of terpenoids (ecdysteroid mimics) from Nephrolepis sp. on the development of Moduza Procris (a pest of the ornamental plant Mussaenda frondosa) was studied. This is the first report of the insecticidal property of the hot-aqueous frond extracts of this pteridophyte. Nephrolepis extracts were taken as leaf decoction. Four different concentrations (1, 0.75, 0.5 and 0.25 %) of the extract was taken for the experiment. 3 replicates were maintained for each concentration. The leaves of the host plant, Mussaenda frondosa were dipped in the extract and given as feed for the larvae. From the observation it was noted that the larvae died due to the ingestion of ecdysteroids. From dose – response chart it was concluded that higher the concentration of the extract, higher is the rate of mortality. Lc 50 value was calculated using Regression equation intercept and was found to be 0.54%. Regression coefficient is 0.9314 which is close to 1, which indicates that the mortality rate (Y) is positively correlated to concentration.The current study clearly show the susceptibility of M. Procris to phytoecdysteroid ingestion. The toxicity of phytoecdysteroids is associated with an increase in mortality together with disruption of development. Together, these results and the literature data indicate that phytoecdysteroids play a role as defensive substances against phytophagous insects.

Phytoecdysteroid, Nephrolepis, Terpenoids, Moduza Procris

"Dietary Effect of Triterpenes (Ecdysteroid Mimics) From Nephrolepis species For The Management of Moduza procris Cramer", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 6, page no.1003-1005, June 2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1906Y65.pdf

"Dietary Effect of Triterpenes (Ecdysteroid Mimics) From Nephrolepis species For The Management of Moduza procris Cramer", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 6, page no. pp1003-1005, June 2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1906Y65.pdf