Effect of Melia azedarach L. and Ailanthus altissima Swingle Extracts on the Larva Alimentary Tract and Growth of Black Cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon Hufn. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The enriched methanolic extracts of seeds of Melia azedarach and leaves of Ailanthus altissima have had the same effect on the valves of the cardiac sphinector of Agrotis ipsilon larvae. At the low concentrations, the sphinector was expanded, and the valves degenerated at the high concentrations. M. azedarach extract was separated the peritrophic membrane and muscles of the midgut, while the extract of A. altissima was thicked the peritrophic membrane only. The application of extracts were effected on developed pupae and adults of treated larvae, this effect was represented by failure of adults emergence and degrees of wings malformations. Also, the extracts were significantly reduced the weight of A. ipsilon larvae fed on treated diets. For treated larvae, Lc50 of black cutworm larvae were 2.5 and 3.5 ppm for M. azedarach and A. altissima respectively.