Potential ofPongamia glabraVent as an Insecticide of Plant Origin

Many biopesticides have been developed from trees including neem, karanj, mahua and chinaberry. Amongst these the former two are most commonly used against pests of economic importance. Pongamia glabra commonly known as karanj is reported to be effective against insect pests of stored grains, field and plantation crops, and household commodities. More than 19 biologically active components have been identified from this plant. Oil, methanolic seed extract, acetone leaf extract, aqueous seed extract, chloroform seed extract and petroleum ether seed extract of karanj have been evaluated and found to act as oviposition deterrents, antifeedants and larvicides against a wide range of insect pests. Karanj based extracts/formulations have great potential for sustainable integrated pest management programmes.