Evaluation of Formulations of Gloriosa Superba L. Seed Against Tobacco Caterpillar

AbstractSpodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera), a highly polyphagous pest, causes significant economic losses with yield reductions ranging from 26–100% under severe infestation. This study aimed to develop and evaluate two formulations of Gloriosa superba L. seed extract tablet and edible-to-insect gel against S. litura under laboratory conditions. The tablet formulation showed dose-dependent activity, with maximum antifeedant effect and larval and pupal mortality at 20 and 15% concentrations, while higher doses primarily induced adult malformations, indicating insect growth regulatory effects. In contrast, the edible-to-insect gel formulation exhibited superior efficacy, recording the highest antifeedant activity (94.4%) and maximum larval (22.2%) and pupal (11.1%) mortality at 20% concentration. Efficacy decreased at concentrations above 20%, though moderate IGR activity persisted. Overall, the edible-to-insect gel at 20% emerged as the most promising formulation, combining strong feeding deterrence, insecticidal activity and developmental disruption. The results highlight the potential of G. superba seed–based formulations as stable, eco-friendly botanical insecticides and support further field validation for sustainable management of S. litura.