Insecticidal and Feeding Deterrent Effects of Kaempferia galanga L. and Amomum subulatum on Pieris rapae L. Larva

Hien Pham, Son Dinh, Canh Nguyen, Hai Nguyen, Nguyen Binh Tran and Tam Dang

Background and Objective: Pieris rapae L., is one of the most widespread and destructive pests of cruciferous plants. At present, synthetic chemical insecticide is still the main approach to control this pest despite several disadvantages to human health and the wildlife environment as well as biological resistance. To search for plants having insecticidal activity, the biological effects of two medicinal plants Kaempferia galanga L. and Amomum subulatum on Pieris rapae L., were investigated. Materials and Methods: The methanol extracts of dry rhizomes and fruits of Kaempferia galanga L. and Amomum subulatum were used to determine the mortality, feeding and oviposition deterrence of larvae and adult of Pieris rapae L. Results: Kaempferia galanga L. and Amomum subulatum exhibited insecticidal activity against Pieris rapae L., with LC₅₀ values of 2.11 and 11.80% (w/v), respectively. In the antifeedant test, Kaempferia galanga L., extract showed no significant difference with the control at the low concentration (0.5 and 1%). Whereas, with a concentration of 0.5%, Amomum subulatum extract demonstrated a high antifeedant effect on Pieris rapae L., larvae. In addition, plants treated with these two extracts reduced eggs laid by Pieris rapae L., in field conditions showing the oviposition deterrent properties. Conclusion: These results indicated that Kaempferia galanga L. and Amomum subulatum extracts have insecticidal substances against Pieris rapae L., which can be used for developing effective pesticides or/and oviposition deterrents for integrated pest management.

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