Exploration of growth inhibitory and oviposition deterrent behaviour of Brassica juncea seed extracts against Bactrocera cucurbitae

The repeated use of synthetic pesticides has raised concerns regarding their harmful impact on non-target organisms, environment as well as human health. Research therefore, needs to be directed towards finding non-toxic, environment friendly natural products for managing insect pests. The Brassicaceae family is highly enriched with glucosinolates, an important class of plant secondary metabolites. Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett), commonly known as melon fruit fly, is a major cucurbit pest responsible for extensive losses in crop yield. In the present study, seeds of Brassica juncea (L.) (Czern.) were extracted, analysed through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and further investigated for their antibiosis influence on B. cucurbitae larvae. Results revealed that hot extracts B. juncea had a considerably greater inhibitory effect on larval growth and development than the cold extracts. Deterrent effect of hot extracts was also observed on oviposition which was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner in the females of B. cucurbitae. The findings revealed a considerable anti-insect potential of hot extract of B. juncea against B. cucurbitae larvae.