HANSA JAT, O.P. AMETA AND R. SWAMINATHAN

The aqueous leaf extracts (10%) of A. indica and E. hirta, seed kernel extract (5%) of A. indica and seed oils (1%) of A. indica, P. pinnata and Eucalyptus sp. were evaluated for anti-feeding activity against the blister beetle M. pustulata for two years during 2012-13 in the laboratory of the Department of Entomology, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur. On the basis of area (cm2) and quantum (%) of okra flowers consumed in 24 hours, Azadirachta indica seed kernel extract (NSKE 5%) had the maximum anti-feeding activity with significantly minimum area and quantum of okra flowers consumed 1-DAT (4.0cm2, 13.33%), 3-DAT (8.45cm2, 28.17%) and 5-DAT (13.00cm2, 43.33%) in 2012; likewise, 1-DAT (4.08cm2, 13.58%), 3-DAT (7.80cm2, 26.00%) and 5-DAT (13.03cm2, 43.42%) in 2013. In the untreated control, the area consumed ranged from 23.27 to 23.43 sq. cm.; and the quantum consumed ranged from 77.56 to 78.08 per cent during 2012; likewise, the area consumed ranged from 22.38 to 23.83 sq. cm.; and the quantum consumed ranged from 74.58 to 79.42 per cent during 2013. The anti-feeding action of NSKE (5%) resulted in reduction in the area and quantum of the treated flower consumed.