Evaluation of the Insecticidal Activity of Lerak-Based Surfactant and Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) and Sugar Apple (Annona squamosa) Seed Extracts with Different Solvents on Spodoptera frugiperda Mortality

Abstract

Spodoptera frugiperda is an invasive maize pest that inflicts significant damage. The excessive use of chemical insecticides poses risks to the environment and human health, highlighting the need for eco-friendly alternatives. This study evaluated the effectiveness of soapberry (Sapindus rarak) surfactant combined with mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) and sugar apple (Annona squamosa) seed extracts, utilizing methanol and hexane solvents, against S. frugiperda mortality. The research was conducted in a screen house at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra, from June 2024 to January 2025, employing a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications and nine treatments. The observed parameters included larval mortality, pupal and adult emergence, and Lethal Time 50 (LT50). The treatment using sugar apple seed extract with 80 ml of methanol and 10 ml of soapberry surfactant demonstrated the highest mortality rate and significantly inhibited larval development. The addition of soapberry surfactant enhances the effectiveness of the extracts by improving their spread on leaf surfaces. This botanical insecticide shows promise as an eco-friendly alternative for controlling S. frugiperda; however, further research is necessary for field testing and formulation optimization