International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 49: 519-524, 2023

ISSN: 2320-5199 (Online); https://doi.org/10.55863/ijees.2023.2892

© NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ECOLOGY, NEW DELHI
49 (6): 519-524 Waghmare et al.: Insecticidal toxicity of some weeds 519
Evaluation of Efficacy of Phytochemicals from Invasive Weeds Against
Dolichos Bean Aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch
KRANTI WAGHMARE*,1, NIVEDITA GHAYAL2, MAHESH SHINDIKAR3 AND RAJENDRA
JADHAV4
1
Annasaheb Kulkarni Department of Biodiversity, MES Abasaheb Garware College, Pune, India.
2
Department of Botany, MES Abasaheb Garware College, Pune, India.
3
Department of Applied Science, COEP Technological University, Pune India.
4
Agri-Entomology Division, Ross Life Science Ltd., Pune, India.
E-mail: waghmare.kranti87@gmail.com, gnivedita_ghayal@rediffmal.com, maheshshindikar@gmail.com,
rajendra@rosslife.net
*Corresponding author

ABSTRACT
There are several factors that influence crop yield. Insects and weeds are one of the causative factors in crop
yield reduction. The Aphis craccivora Koch is the most devastating pest of the lablab bean, affecting the crop in
a variety of ways and reducing crop production. Though chemical pesticides have a measurable effect on lablab
bean aphid, their substantial impact on the ecosystem is notable. In this work, invasive weeds such as Parthenium
hysterophorus L. and Argemone mexicana L. were tested for insecticidal activity against lablab bean aphid using
the leaf dip and film smear methods in the laboratory. The bio-efficacy of aqueous extracts (20%) of both weeds
was compared to the effectiveness of the chemical pesticide Rogor (Dimethoate 0.02%). The results showed that
Rogor had the highest mortality, although P. hysterophorus outperformed A. mexicana in both bio-assays. The
leaf dip approach showed more positive effects than film smear method. The current study implies that chemical
pesticides can be substituted with bio-formulations obtained from these invasive weeds present in crop fields,
which have potential to manage invasive weeds in an ecofriendly manner.

Key words: Parthenium hysterophorus L., Argemone mexicana L., Phyto-insecticides, Leaf dip method, Film
smear method, Insecticidal activity.

INTRODUCTION the highest population is seen at flowering to the pod

formation stage (Golvankar et al. 2019). Both
Lablab purpureus L. (Syn. Dolichos lablab L.), is nymphs and adults suck the cell sap from leaves,
grown as both pulse and vegetable crop grown in petioles, tender stems, inflorescences and tender
different parts of the country. It is a high grain – pods. The continuous feeding by the large population
yielding, nitrogen fixing, dual purpose legume that of aphids results in yellowing, curling and subsequent
improves soil fertility (Ngure et al. 2021) and well drying of tender pods (Patil et al. 2016). Due to severe
suited to most tropical environments as it is adaptable infestation of A. craccivora resulting the significant
to a wide range of rainfall, temperature and altitude yield loss (Mweke et al. 2020) from 20 to 40% yield
(Ravinaik et al. 2015). Despite its ability to adapt to loss of bean, Lablab purpureus L. (Hossain et al.
stressful environments, biotic factors like insects 2021). Insecticides are considered essential for the
have an impact on crop productivity. It is recorded management of different pests like aphids. Under this
55 species of insects and a species of mite feeding roof chemical pesticides have raised ecological
on dolichos bean crop from seedling stage to the problems and health issues of mankind. To avoid
harvest of the crop (Govindan 1974). The primary harmful effects of chemical pesticides, phyto-
limiting factor in Dolichos lablab L. is that it is pesticide is the significant way to manage aphids.
heavily infested by aphid, which prevents a Invasive weeds in crop fields and allied areas are
successful harvest under ideal climatic conditions creating nuisance to growing crops and affecting
(Mondal et al. 217). The dolichos bean aphid, Aphis yield drastically due to their strong competitive
craccivora Koch is the most serious pest, damaging ability for survival and growth. Lablab bean is similar
the dolichos bean from seedling to maturity stages, victim crop affected by weeds that causes 15-45%
520 Waghmare et al.: Insecticidal toxicity of some weeds Int. J. Ecol. Env. Sci.
of yield loss and reduce productivity (Doba et al. Considering the values of LT90 and LT95 for T4, T8
2021, Khan et al. 2020). Parthenium hysterophorus and T9 are 21.06, 19.23 and 21.11 hrs and 24.07,
L. and Argemone mexicana L. are two invasive weeds 21.93 and 24.13 hrs, respectively, T4 showed
that were accidently brought to India many decades effective significance as compared to T8 and T9.
ago and have detrimental effects on the Comparatively LT50, LT90 and LT95 values for
agricultural environment. The current work is Rogor are 6.87, 13.38 and 15.28 hrs. Comparatively
undertaken to evaluate the sustainable approach for LT50, LT90 and LT95 values for Rogor are 6.87, 13.38
incorporation of these invasive weeds to be used as and 15.28 hrs. LT50 values of T4, T8 and T9 are
phyto-insecticides against aphids. 9.13, 11.76 and 11.43 hrs, respectively (Table 2).
The values of LT90 and LT95 for T4, T8 and T9 are
MATERIALS AND METHODS 19.9, 25.63 and 22.76 hrs and 22.9, 29.53 and 26.00
hrs, respectively, T4 showed effective significance
The research was carried out both in the field of as compared to T8 and T9. In terms of Rogor, the
Waghapur village (18°23’46.53" N and 74°08' 28.26" LT50, LT90, and LT95 values are 15.5, 14.93 and 18.03
E), Taluka Purandhar, District Pune, and in the hrs, respectively. The results of percent corrected
laboratory of MES Abasaheb Garware College. The mortality by film smear method and leaf dip method
bioassay experiment is carried out in the laboratory are shown in Figures 1 and 2. Results of film smear
conditions. All the materials and methodologies for method showed highest affectivity by Rogor,
rearing of aphids, collection of weeds, bio assays followed by T4, T8 and T9. All three treatments
tests performed by leaf dip method and film smear showed similar results at 24 hrs, where in the leaf
method of (Kranti et al. 2023) were used to evaluate dip method T4, T9 and T8 showed effective results
the insecticidal activity of selected weeds against at 24 hrs against lablab bean aphids. The insecticidal
lablab bean aphid. toxicity of various plants against insects using lead
The percent corrected mortality was calculated dip method and film smear method has shown
by using Abbott’s formula (Abbott 1925). To significant results. The past studies have proved that
calculate the lethal times, 50% (LT50), 90% (LT90) these methods are reliable to examine toxicity effects.
and 95% (LT95), serial time-mortality data from Ahmed et al. (2020) reported that the toxicity results
toxicity bioassays were analyzed by Probit analysis of A. argyi agaisnt B. brassicae aphid showed an
using SPSS software (SPSS, version 25). Mortality LC50 of 3.91 mg mL”1 followed by the toxicity of C.
rates of Aphis craccivora Koch, treated with aqueous colocynthis and C. indica, exhibiting LC50 values of
extracts of P. hysterophorus and A. Mexicana were 6.26 and 10.04 mg mL”1, respectively which were
compared by one-way analysis of variance obtained via a leaf dip method . While Alim et al.
(ANOVA). (2017) examined, the highest mortality (100%) of
Aleurodicus dispersus Russell adults was recorded
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION for neem (ethanol) extract (500 mg/L) at 18 hrs after
the treatment.
The study aimed to assess the insecticidal activity The significant insecticidal activities of A.
of both weeds against lablab bean aphids. The tests mexicana and P. hysterophorus have been reported
were carried out using the leaf dip method and the against various agricultural pests. The larvicidal
film smear method. Toxicity of P. hysterophorus and efficacy of A. mexicana leaf extract against
A. mexicana with comparison of Rogor and control Spodoptera litura fab revealed toxicity of LD50=
for film smear method and leaf dip method is shown 20.54 mg/ml in ethanol and LD50= 31.55 mg/ml in
(Tables 1 and 2). Comparison of LT50, LT90 and LT95 aqueous, respectively (Vetal and Pardeshi 2019).
of aqueous extract of P. hysterophorus L. with A. Patil and Zambare (2019) reported the effectiveness
mexicana L., Rogor and control by film smear of A. mexicana seed extracts against Tribolium
method is given by calculating LT50, LT90 and LT95 castaneum (sixth instar). Total mortality was seen
by probit analysis (Table 1). LT50 values of T4, T8 with acetone extract at 1.6 ml/kg wheat, whereas
and T9 are 10.46, 9.72 and 10.42 hrs, respectively. 56.6±4.16% larvicidal effect was seen with ethanol
49 (6): 519-524 Waghmare et al.: Insecticidal toxicity of some weeds 521
Table 1. Insecticidal toxicity of P. hysterophorus L. and A. mexicana L. on A. craccivora Koch by film
smear method

Tr. No. Treatments Dosage LT-50 LT-90 LT-95

T1 Aqueous extract P. hysterophorus 5% 20.77ab 35.25b 52.56b
T2 10% 19.92ab 35.38b 39.77ab
T3 15% 16.1ab 30.33ab 34.36ab
T4 20% 10.46ab 21.06ab 24.07a
T5 Aqueous extract A. mexicana 5% 22.7b 39.68c 44.5c
T6 10% 18.47ab 34.02bc 38.43bc
T7 15% 14.39ab 28.2abc 32.11abc
T8 20% 9.72ab 19.23ab 21.93ab
T9 Aqueous extract P. hysterophorus + 20% 10.42ab 21.11ab 24.13ab
Aqueous extract A. mexicana
T10 Rogor (Dimethoate) 0.02 6.87a 13.38a 15.28a
T11 Control - 21.93b 26.4abc 27.67abc

Table 2. Insecticidal toxicity of P. hysterophorus L. and A. mexicana L. on A. craccivora Koch by leaf dip
method

Tr. No. Treatments Dosage LT50 LT90 LT95

T1 Aqueous extract P. hysterophorus 5% 25.26a 41.03c 45.46c
T2 10% 24.3a 39.76c 44.16c
T3 15% 17.56a 31.26bc 35.13bc
T4 20% 9.13a 19.9ab 22.9ab
T5 Aqueous extract A. mexicana 5% 28.8a 46.26c 51.30d
T6 10% 21.36a 35.36bc 39.33cd
T7 15% 17.7a 31.43bc 35.33bcd
T8 20% 11.76a 25.63ab 29.53abc
T9 Aqueous extract P. hysterophorus + 20% 11.43a 22.76ab 26.00abc
Aqueous extract A. Mexicana
T10 Rogor (Dimethoate) 0.02 15.5a 14.93a 18.03ab
T11 Control - 9.93a 11.86a 12.43a

extract at 20.1±1.73 ml/kg wheat. In a field Other than any other pests the reported application
experiment, the mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi of these invasive weeds as an insecticide against
(Kaltenbach), was controlled by spraying Brassica aphids has been found to have a considerable impact.
juncea with aqueous extracts made from shade-dried Santos et al. (2015) studied that ethanol extract of A.
Parthenium leaves. After applying the extract for mexicana showed effectivity against A. craccivora.
three days, population of L. erysimi, was drastically Ali and Rizvi (2009) evaluated the bio effectiveness
reduce to 29% of the initial infestation, probably due of A. mexicana against the mustard aphid, Lipaphis
to as a result of the action of phenolic acids (Wiesner erysimi (Kalt), and found the maximum population
et al. 2007). Chickpea seeds treated with powder of decrease.
leaf and stem of Parthenium showed toxicity to Methanol extract of A. mexicana revealed 5%
Callosobruchus chinensis with significant percent repellency against A. gossyppi Glover adults (Ali et
inhibition in adult emergence with 83.33 and 52.78, al. 2017). On either side, the lifespan and productivity
respectively (Tesfu and Emana 2013). of adult Lipaphis erysimi Kalt were significantly
522 Waghmare et al.: Insecticidal toxicity of some weeds Int. J. Ecol. Env. Sci.

Figure 1. Graph representing the percent corrected mortality by aques extracts of P. hysterophorus L. and
A. mexicana L as compared to Rogor and control by film smear method. Treatment T1 to T11 are as per
the list in Table 1

Figure 2. Graph representing the percent corrected mortality by aques extracts of P. hysterophorus L. and
A. mexicana L as compared to Rogor and control by leaf dip method. Treatment T1 to T11 are as per the
list in Table 1
49 (6): 519-524 Waghmare et al.: Insecticidal toxicity of some weeds 523
reduced by a petroleum ether extract of P. of Biodiversity, MES. Abasaheb Garware College
hysterophorus leaves (Sohal et al. 2002). Similarly, for providing the facilities of this research. Also to
its leaves extract shown effective lethality against Dr. Rahul Marathe, Entomologist, Founder and
L. erysimi (Chandel et al. 2012). The extract of P. Director of Mitrakida Biosolutions Pvt. Ltd. Pune
hysterophorus on mustard greatly decreased the for his invaluable guidance.
population of mustard aphids L. erysimi
(Bhattacharyya et al. 2007). None the less, Parthenin Authors’ contributions: All authors contributed
showed more effective toxicity against A. craccivora equally
(Eswara Reddy et al. 2018). A recent research (Baig
et al. 2022) found that a congress weed leaf extract Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no conflict
significantly reduced aphids on potato leaves. The of interest.
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Received:26th March 2023

Accepted:12th July 2023