Field Evaluation of Custard Apple Extracts in Groundnut Crop Against Spodoptera litura

Custard apple (Annona squamosa. Linn), an edible fruit, is also known for its insecticidal and antifeedant properties. Several emulsifiable concentrate were prepared with seed oil, seed powder and leaves, and tested in the field against tobacco cut worm, Spodoptera litura on Rabi groundnut crop. The efficacy of extracts was evaluated based on the larval reduction and foliage damage along with the yield and cost-benefit ratio. Among the formulations tested, annona oil based formulation gave the best results. In view of the abundant availability of raw material and ease of preparation, annona fresh leaf aqueous extract was found feasible at fanner level though seed oil was found the most effective. However, certain hazards in preparation of seed oil and powder still exist which need to be over come.