Sensitivity of Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella L to Melia azedarach L.

The adults of diamondback moth Plutella xylostella L. laid dignificantly yesser number (upto 71%) of eggs on the surfaces treated with methanolic extracts of Melia azedarach L. than no those treated dith solvent only. When larvae derived from above eggs were reared on fresh food, the mortality in the larval stage was upto 22.8 per cent and that in pupal stage, it was upto 29.6 per cent. Malformation among adults was upto 17.7 per cent. The methanolic extracts also reduced feeding when methanolic extract-treated food was offered to 2nd instat larvae thus, indicating an antifeetiant effect. Among the various fractions of crude extract of M. azedarach, diethyl ether rraction waa most tctive in nreventing feeding and causing mortality of second instar larvae. Chloroform fraction was most active oviposition deterrent.