Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) yields are severely compromised by the eggplant shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis). The widespread reliance on synthetic insecticides induces pest resistance and poses severe environmental and human health risks, necessitating the development of sustainable alternatives. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate the larvicidal efficacy and cytotoxicity of a novel botanical insecticide derived from a blend of pomelo peel (Citrus maxima), garlic (Allium sativum), and tomato leaf (Solanum lycopersicum) extracts. Utilizing a completely randomized design, the extracts were tested across different volumetric formulation ratios (pomelo : garlic : tomato). Cytotoxicity was determined through a Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay (BSLA) to establish the LC50, while larvicidal efficacy against L. orbonalis was evaluated over five days. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of bioactive flavonoids and tannins. In the BSLA, the formulation with a 2:5:3 ratio exhibited the highest cytotoxicity (LC50 = 24.17 µg/mL), followed by the equal-part 1:1:1 ratio (LC50 = 47.84 µg/mL). The 5:3:2 formulation (LC50 = 60.25 µg/mL) demonstrated toxicity levels comparable to the synthetic commercial pesticide control (LC50 = 59.90 µg/mL). Furthermore, all botanical blends achieved significantly higher larval mortality rates compared to the negative control (p < 0.001). The findings indicate that the garlic-dominant 2:5:3 botanical formulation provides a highly effective and environmentally viable substitute for conventional pest management. Future research should prioritize field-scale trials, longitudinal stability assessments, and non-target organism evaluations to establish its commercial agricultural viability.
Malana et al. (Sun,) studied this question.
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