Effect of Sodium Ricinoleate on the biology of Spodoptera frugiperda caterpillars (J.E. Smith) (Lep.: Noctuidae) on artificial diet

Abstract

Sodium Ricinoleate is a byproduct of castor bean Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae) that has been identified as a potential acaricide, bactericide, and vermifuge. Usually used as an emulsifier, this product is inexpensive and easy to reach and has proved to be an efficient insecticide in laboratory conditions. The objective of this work was to investigate the insecticidal potential of this on fal armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. The caterpillars were individualized, 50 newborn caterpillars, fed with artificial diet in five treatments: four concentrations of the oil, added to the diet: 0.006%; 0.05%; 0.4% and 0.8%, compared to the control, without the oil Sodium Ricinoleate. Sodium Ricinoleate added to the diet causes elongation of the larval and pupal phases, reduces the number of eggs per female and reduces the viability of the eggs, proving their insecticidal action by ingestion of this product.