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Insect growth-regulating effects of Withania somnifera in a polyphagous pest, Spodoptera litura

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Abstract

Treatment of sixth instar larvae and pupae of the polyphagous pest Spodoptera litura Fabr. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) with an acetone extract of leaves of Ashwagandha, Withania somnifera L. (Solanaceae), caused toxicity, molt disturbances, formation of larval–pupal, pupal–adult intermediates and adultoids. Our results suggest that W. somnifera acts as an insect growth regulator causing disruption of the endocrine mechanism regulating molting and metamorphosis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, 211002, India

    Ratna Gaur & Krishna Kumar

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  1. Ratna Gaur
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  2. Krishna Kumar
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Correspondence to Krishna Kumar.

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Gaur, R., Kumar, K. Insect growth-regulating effects of Withania somnifera in a polyphagous pest, Spodoptera litura . Phytoparasitica 38, 237–241 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12600-010-0092-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12600-010-0092-x

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