Biological activity of sugarcane pyroligneous acid against Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae

Abstract

Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) annually cause enormous loss to the producers and their  combat has become a worldwide challenge mainly due to several reports of pesticides resistance. Today, one of the best  alternatives used in this combat is the application of natural insecticides such as neem oil and pyroligneous acid. This study  demonstrates a method to obtain a hexane fraction from sugarcane pyroligneous acid, which can be easily applied, as well as its effectiveness against S. frugiperda. The hexane fraction exhibited LC₅₀ of 2206,41 ppm after 24 h of exposure with a linear dose-response, indicating that the fraction can be used as a bio-insecticide against S. frugiperda.

Keywords: Wood vinegar, insecticide, Saccharum officinarum, fall armyworm, pyroligneous extract.