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 frugiperdawere 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