Activity of the main fatty acid components of the hexane leaf extract of Ricinus communis against Spodoptera frugiperda

Abstract

The composition of hexane leaf extract of Ricinus communis was determined by gas chromatography– mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to contain four fatty acids: linolenic acid (47.76%), linoleic acid (15.28%), palmitic acid (13.01%), and stearic acid (1.73%). The insectistatic and insecticidal activities of the two major components, linolenic acid and linoleic acid, on the larval development of Spodoptera frugiperda were assessed. The larval viability fifty (LV50) values of linolenic acid and linoleic acid were 0.849 × 103 ppm and 0.857 × 103 ppm, respectively. Thus, both fatty acids evaluated were found to have the insectistatic and insecticidal activities against S. frugiperda.

Key words: Insectistatic activity, insecticide, linolenic acid, linoleic acid, fall armyworm.