Effect of Ageratum conyzoides (L.) Extract on Biochemical Constituents of Haemolymph of Schistocerca gregaria (Forskal)

The 4^th and 5^th instar nymphs of Schistocerca gregaria were topically treated with whole plant extract of Ageratum conyzoides at the doses of 400 and 800 μg per nymph and its effects on haemolymph proteins and amino acids were studied. The extract had no significant effect on the haemolymph protein concentration but amino acid concentration was significantly lower in treated insects at the dose of 800 μg in nymphal stage. In adults, the protein concentration was significantly lower in both the treatments while effect on amino acid concentration was more pronounced in 4^th instar treated insects as compared to control. Qualitative differences were observed in the haemolymph proteins of 5^th instar treated insects as compared to control.