Influence of Pongamia pinnata Seed Extracts and Fractions on Biology of Earias vittella

The effect of karanj, Pongamia pinnata (L.) seeds (both mature as well as immature) methanolic extracts (2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0%) and fractions (hexane. chloroform and acetone @ 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%) on Earias vittella biology was studied. Larval treatment by pod dip method resulted in decrease in larval survival, larval weight, pupation and adult emergence and prolongation of larval and pupal periods. Mature seed extract proved better than the immature one in altering the biology and the increase /decrease was in a dose dependent manner. Both deformed pupae as well as adults were found, however they were not significantly different from control. Biological parameters of E. vittella were affected adversely when fed on karanj seed fractions treated food. Mature seed hexane fraction (2.0%) was the most effective treatment in altering the biological parameters, while immature seed acetone fraction (0.5%) was the least. Similar adverse effect of extracts and fractions were noticed when directly sprayed on to E. vittella larvae.