Bioefficacy of Calendula officinalis Linn. (Asteraceae) extracts in the control of Spodoptera litura Fabricus (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) under laboratory conditions.

The effect of Calendula officinalis L on the nutritional physiological parameters of Spodoptera litura Fab larvae were studied by treating with leaf and flower extracts in various solvents. Protease and amylase enzyme activities along with their respective substrates were assayed in hemolymph and midgut of treated and untreated larvae. Irrespective of tissues, all the extracts showed significant reduction in the biochemical profile compared to controls. The most significant change was observed in chloroform and petroleum ether leaf and flower extracts treated larvae compared to other extracts suggesting their components affect nutritional physiology of S.litura. Hence, Calendula extracts can not only be used to treat human ailments but also as an effective botanical pesticide.