Application of majapahit (Crescentia cujete L.) fruit extract to control armyworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius, 1775) infestation in Chinese mustard crops

Abstract

Abstract Spodoptera litura poses a threat to important crops in Indonesia, leading to productivity failure and economic repercussions. Botanical insecticides have garnered attention in crop cultivation due to their easy applicability and effectiveness against specific pests. In this study, the effectiveness of majapahit (Crescentia cujete), a popular medicinal plant, in reducing S. litura infestation was investigated through in planta test using Chinese mustard (Brassica chinensis var. parachinensis). The experiment followed a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments of C. cujete fruit extract at concentrations of 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80%, each replicated four times. Parameters observed in this study included the growth profile of mustard plants (plant height, number of plants, fresh weight), leaf damage index (LDI), and mortality after application for 30 days after planting. Results revealed a significant concentration-response relationship for both the LDI values and mortality rates. The determination of LC50 for C. cujete fruit extract yielded a value of 29%. The use of C. cujete as an insecticidal agent warrants promotion, and further investigation with a larger sample population and different target crops is necessary in the future.