Abstract:
The organic solvent extracts from the seeds of Erythrina indica were tested for their insecticidal action
against Hyblaea puera, the most important defoliator pest of teak. The larvicidal activity of the petroleum
ether, chloroform, methanol, ethyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, acetone and water extracts from the seeds of E.
indica on the 3rd instar larvae of H. puera showed 100% mortality even with least concentration (0.25%).
The ovicidal activity was exhibited by chloroform and ethyl acetate extract. Both the extracts exhibited
highest egg hatch inhibition (56%) at highest concentration (2%). The least LC50 (1.15%) shows that ethyl
acetate extract is better than chloroform extract (1.78). Two compounds were isolated from the ethyl
acetate extract of the seeds of Erythrina indica by column chromatography. The compounds were
identified using HPLC, GC MS, and NMR. Compound 1 was a mixture of linoleic acid and oleic acid.
Compound 2 was a mixture of linoleic acid and oleic acid ester with a glycerol unit attached to it.
Compounds 1 and 2 were biologically active and exhibited potent insecticidal activity against the 3rd
instar larvae of H. puera. The result showed that Compound 2 isolated from E. indica exhibited highest
mortality (72%) at concentration (0.125%). At highest concentration (0.5%) highest mortality (92%) was
exhibited by Compound 2 which on comparison is on par with the Neemark (Azadirachtin) exhibiting
highest mortality (100%). The study is complementary with earliar works and proves that the seeds of E.
indica has immense potential to be utilized as botanical insecticide.
