Activity of Chloroformic Extract from Salvia connivens (Lamiales: Lamiaceae) and Its Principal Compounds against Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is one of the most damaging pests in maize crops. In order to manage it, synthetic insecticides such as diamides, neonicotinoids, and pyrethroids are used, but they present a risk for humans and the environment. Investigations of safer alternatives include the use of natural extracts. Thus, this research evaluated the effects of chloroform extract (CHCl3Sc) (5000, 4000, 2000, 1000, and 500 ppm) on aerial parts of Salvia connivens and of nonanal and pyrocatechol (1000, 600, 400, and 80 ppm) on S. frugiperda mortality, duration of the larva and pupae phases, and pupae weight after 24 h. The second instars of S. frugiperda larvae were fed an artificial diet incorporating the extract and compounds. The CHCl3Sc had insecticidal activity against S. frugiperda, showing an LC50 of 1504 ppm. Insectistatic activity began at 1000 ppm, increasing pupal and larval duration in 7.6 and 1.4 days, respectively. Pyrocatechol and nonanal were found in this extract. The first did not have any significant difference in larval or pupal mortalities. On the other hand, insectistatic activity was shown at 500 ppm, increasing the larval duration by 1.7 days compared with the control. In the case of nonanal, the insecticide activity was LC50 of 200 ppm, and insectistatic activity started at 80 ppm, increasing larval duration by 3.2 days compared with the control and reducing pupal weight by 3.4%. The results show that chloroformic extract had insecticidal and insectistatic activities against S. frugiperda; nonanal was an aldehyde compound present in this extract, which confers insecticidal and insectistatic activities against this pest.