The Effectiveness of Basil (Ocimum basilicum) and Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) Leaf Extracts on the Mortality and Antifeedant Activity of Spodoptera litura

Abstract

Spodoptera litura is a pest in Indonesia that can reduce agricultural and horticultural yields by up to 80%. Biopesticides from basil and tobacco leaf extracts contain eugenol and nicotine which can be an alternative to control S. litura. This study aims to determine the effect of various types of extracts, concentrations, and interactions between the two, on the mortality rate and antifeedant activity of S. litura. This study used a 2-factor Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with treatments of extract types (basil leaves, tobacco, and a combination of both), extract concentration (30%, 40%, 50%, 60%), using negative control of distilled water and positive control of cypermethrin. Data on the percentage of mortality and feeding activity were analyzed using two-way ANOVA, followed by the Duncan test. The results showed that the type of extract, extract concentration, and interaction between the two, affected the mortality and feeding activity of S. litura. The combined extract at a concentration of 60% was the most effective treatment at mortality rate of 86.67% and antifeedant activity of 41.67%. Therefore, the combination of basil and tobacco leaf extracts can be applied as a biopesticides against S. litura.