DESC:-: Complete Specification :-

“Herbal pesticide for management of infestation by fall armyworm”

Cross references to related applications: This complete specification is filed further to application for patent No. 202021031888 dated 25/10/2020 with provisional specification, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety, by reference.

Field of the invention
This invention belongs to the field of biocides, and more particularly therein to a synergistic herbal composition directed at managing or better eliminating infestations by lepidopteran pests, particularly Spodoptera frugiperda that is, fall armyworm.

Definitions and interpretations
Before undertaking the detailed description of the invention below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect, with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; and accordingly, the term “FAW” refers the Fall Army Worm; “PPM” refers parts per million; “DAS” refers Days after spraying; “SEm” refers standard error of the mean; “CD” refers confidence distribution; “CV” refers coefficient of variation.

Background of the invention and description of related art
FAW is a lepidopteran pest that feeds in large numbers on the leaves, stems and reproductive parts of plants, and observed to cause major damage to economically important crops all over the world. Originally hailing from the tropical and subtropical regions in the Americas, FAW was first reported in India recently (Ganiger et al., 2018; IITA, 2018; Sharanabasappa Kalleshwaraswamy et al., 2018), and has been observed to spread fast in Asian countries including Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar, China and Sri Lanka. Today, FAW is recognized as one of the major threats to food security. Therefore there is a growing acute need for having some effective strategy for management of FAW infestation.

The name “fall armyworm” is rightfully derived from the large-scale and voracious invasive behaviour of the larval stage of said pest. This pest has a life cycle of 30 to 40 days, within which it can migrate hundreds of kilometres on storm fronts and can produce several generations in a single season, hence exponential damage. Thus, some quick and efficient means of pest management are critically required to prevent, or at least limit, the damages to crops occurring due to FAW.
Independent studies undertaken in India suggest that currently used insecticides are not effective against the FAW. Also, there is a strong reluctance on part of the farming community to use chemical insecticides as they typically require high dose and with high frequency application, which leads to biomagnification and accumulation of residual chemicals in the environment, which in turn is primarily the reason that speeds up tolerance and resistance development in FAW. Hence, it would be beneficial to have some non-artificial means for management of FAW infestation.

While there were many common art references researched by the inventor(s) in ensuring that the present invention is novel, the following patent prior art was identified as related to the present invention, and thus worthwhile to discuss in more detail in context of the present invention. One example is use of Bacillus thuringiensis proteins expressed transgenically for biological control of FAW (https://usunrome.usmission.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2018-Africa-FAW-Talk_Rome-pdf.pdf). This presentation advises use of pyrethroids for control of leaf feeding injury, and use of Spinetoram, indoxacarb, and chlorantraniliprole for controlling older larvae. Besides, novaluron, lufenuron, diflubenzuron and methoxyfenozide are suggested for control of early to mid stage larvae.

Implementation of integrated pest management (cultural, chemical, and biological) is advocated for controlling FAW infestations. Particularly, low-risk insecticides are recommended for effective in control of the FAW. In America and Brazil, different strategies have been used to manage FAW including cultural practices, biological control using [parasitoids (Cotesiamarginiventris (Cresson), Chelonustexanus (Cresson) and Archytasmarmoratus (Townsend))] (Luginbill, 1928a; Vickery, 1929), predators (birds, rodents, beetles, earwigs (Pair & Gross, 1984); and pathogens [(Spodoptera frugiperda nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV), Entomophagaaulicae, Nomuraearileyi, and Eryniaradicans (Gardner &Fuxa, 1980) and botanicals (Gross & Pair, 1986)].(Fenta Assefa & Dereje Ayalew | Manuel Tejada Moral (Reviewing editor) (2019) Status and control measures of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) infestations in maize fields in Ethiopia: A review, Cogent Food & Agriculture, 5:1, DOI: 10.1080/23311932.2019.1641902 - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23311932.2019.1641902).

Among patent prior art studied, few were of notable reference. For example, EP0406103 discloses microorganism-based pesticidal compositions, methods for preparing them, and their use in agriculture. GB2255018 discloses entomopathogenic sprays and methods of controlling insects. WO08/065413 discloses formulations of entomopathogenic fungi for insect control. Specifically, US7241612 describes a biocidal composition for controlling insects (e.g., american carya weevil, non-otic weevil, fall armyworm, fire ant) comprising an agriculturally acceptable carrier and an effective insect (e.g., american carya weevil, non-otic weevil, fall armyworm, fire ant) biocidal biomass of a fungus selected from the group consisting of: beauveria bassiana having the identifying characteristics of beauveria bassiana NRRL 30593, metarhizium anisopliae having the identifying characteristics of metarhizium anisopliae NRRL 30594, beauveria bassiana having the identifying characteristics of beauveria bassiana NRRL 30601, beauveria bassiana having the identifying characteristics of beauveria bassiana NRRL 30600, or a mixture thereof. Also described is a method for controlling insects (e.g., caryophyllus cathayensis, weevil non-erigeron rhizomes, fall armyworms, fire ants) involving applying an effective insect-biocidal harmful biomass of the composition to the insects or plants, areas, or substrates infested with the insects.

Despite the advances mentioned above, the need for having an effective FAW remedial measure which is environmentally safe and sustainable plant protection yet persists. Hence, it is a prime objective of the applicant named herein to introduce, validate, and deploy low-cost, environmentally safer, and effective solution for long-term sustainable management of FAW infestation which is accessible and affordable for all strata within the agricultural populace existing all over the world.

Botanical control agents as a substitute to hazardous synthetic insecticides holds a sizeable promise of addressing the wants voiced above. Because of affordability and availability of botanical insecticides, farmers in developing countries have used these safer and more environmentally friendly tools for centuries to control insect pests of both field crops and stored products (Schmutterer, 1985). In this line - many plants such as Azadirachta indica, Milletia ferruginea, Croton macrostachyus, Phytola ceadocendra, Jatropha curcas, Nicotina tabacum and Chrysanthemum cinerariifollium were successfully used to control insect pests (Schmutterer, 2009; Addisu et al., 2014).The aqueous extract of neem seed cake is more toxic than the leaf extract which is usually used by farmers to control S. frugiperda (Silva et al., 2015). According to Afonso and Teixeira (2003) the mortality level of S. frugiperda caterpillars was low during the first three days, after initial feeding, and high by 10 days using an aqueous extract of neem leaves. Globally, there are numbers of registered products on rotenone, garlic, nicotine, ryanodine and quassia extracts (Guerrero et al., 2014). The products may be formulated with water and sprayed in the same way as chemical pesticides. Some of these plant species possess one or more useful properties such as repellency, anti-feeding, anti-juvenile hormone activity, oviposition / hatching deterrence, antifertility or growth disrupters, biodegradability and ability to reduce insect resistance (Metcalf, 1992; Mochiah et al., 2011).In Costa Rica a preparation of garlic extract, neem and detergent also reported to be effective for FAW control (Abrahams et al., 2017).

However to see, the potential of using botanicals is severely limited due to the high photosensitivity of ingredients, specifically azadirachtin (from neem-based products) which breaks down or isomerizes under sunlight. Moreover, the lack of standardization and quality control implies a loss of reproducibility in botanical solutions proposed for management of FAW infestation, thereby leaving an acute need for further research in this respect.

Prior art, to the limited extent presently surveyed, hence does not list a single effective solution embracing all considerations mentioned hereinabove, thus preserving an acute necessity-to-invent for the present inventor who, as result of his focused research, has come up with novel solutions for resolving all needs of the art once and for all. Work of the presently named inventor, specifically directed against the technical problems recited hereinabove and currently part of the public domain including earlier filed patent applications, is neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosures.

A better understanding of the objects, advantages, features, properties and relationships of the present invention will be obtained from the following detailed description which sets forth an illustrative yet-preferred embodiment.

Objectives of the present invention
The present invention is identified in addressing at least all major deficiencies of art discussed in the foregoing section by effectively addressing the objectives stated under, of which:

It is a primary objective to provide a composition which is effective to control insect pests, and particularly long-term sustainable management of FAW infestation.

It is another objective to provide a FAW control composition which can be effectively delivered having minimal, or better none, environmental impact or toxic effects on flora and fauna of the vicinity.

It is another objective to provide a FAW control composition which does not require any specialized equipment or methodology, other than conventionally applied, for application.

It is another objective to provide a FAW control composition which is environmentally safe.

It is another objective to provide a FAW control composition which is cost-effective and has no bio-magnification and related ill effects.

The manner in which the above objectives are achieved, together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent, reside in the detailed description set forth below in reference to the accompanying drawings and furthermore specifically outlined in the independent claims 1 and [?]. Other advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

Summary / Statement of the invention
This invention is directed to a FAW control composition comprising a blend of alcohol based herbal extracts of Carica papaya, Calotropis sp., Andrographis sp., Piper nigrum, and Capsicum Chinense prepared by Soxhlet extraction method, to which thyme oil, garlic oil, mustard oil were added, in that sequence, with continuous stirring, and finally neem oil to reach a final concentration of 1500 PPM. Said resultant composition was demonstrably effective as a biocide at all stages in the lifecycle of FAW.

Detailed description
The present invention is directed at absorbing all advantages of prior art while overcoming, and not imbibing, any of its shortfalls, to thereby establish a FAW control composition, being a bio-larvicide in par for effective management of FAW and other lepidopteron pests.

Reference is hereby made to exemplary embodiments which showcase the manner in which the present invention is intended to be performed. Accordingly, the narrations to follow detail the manner in which the Bio-larvicide for effective management of FAW subject hereof is to be prepared, validated, and applied for use.

Materials and Method of preparation:
Raw materials selected for preparation of the Bio-larvicide subject hereof are enlisted in the Table 1 below.

Scientific name Common name Component used Part of plant used
1) Azadirachta indica Neem Oil Seed
2) Allium sativum Garlic Oil bulb
3) Brassica sp. Mustard Essential oil seed
4) Thymus sp. Thyme Oil leaves
5) Carica papaya Papaya Fruit powder Fruit
6) Calotropis sp. Milkweed Powder Areal parts
7) Andrographis sp. Creat Extract Areal part
8) Piper nigrum Black pepper Extract Fruit
9) Capsicum Chinense Bhut jalokia Powder Fruit
10) Isopropyl alcohol --- --- ---
11) Emulsifier (Nonyl Phenol Ethoxylate 9.5) --- --- ---
Table 1
The oils and extracts mentioned above were purchased from Phyto Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. Ahmedabad, India. Extracts were prepared in laboratory via Soxhlet extraction method.

The herbal extract comprising the Bio-larvicide subject hereof was prepared by the following method -
a) an alcoholic extract was prepared, in which 10-40 gm of chilli powder, 10-30 gm of black pepper extract and 1-10 gm of each Andrographis, Calotropis and raw papaya fruit powder were mixed well and packed in filter paper thimble which was placed in crude drug chamber of the Soxhlet apparatus.
b) Isopropyl alcohol was introduced through the solvent inlet over the condenser in the ratio of 1:5 (that is, for 100 gm of crude drug powder, 500 ml of solvent is taken). This solvent comes down at the round bottom flask and heated by heating device which converts the solvent into vapour. This vapour travels through vapour tube and condenses at the bottom of the condenser where it is converted into the solvent and again fall down over the crude drug chamber whereby the level of solvent is increased.
c) Step b) is continued for 12 hours till the solvent becomes concentrated which is then stored for future use. (Generally, 20 percent less recovery is obtained by this process, for example for every 500 ml of solvent, recovery is 400 ml). This is the final alcohol based herbal extract ready for use.

Step a) above is typified in the sequential addition of thyme oil, garlic oil, mustard oil (with continuous stirring), neem oil (to reach a final concentration of 1500 PPM). The resultant admixture was subjected to continuous stirring (using magnetic stirrer) for 15 minutes. Next, emulsifier, Nonyl Phenol Ethoxylate 9.5 in particular, was added (1-10%), and the admixture was subjected to continuous stirring (using magnetic stirrer) for 30 minutes. Finally, the alcohol based herbal extract was added to the oil admixture at a proportion of 1% to 30% v/v and the resultant composition was stirred (using magnetic stirrer) for 60 minutes to reach the Bio-larvicide for effective management of FAW and other lepidopteron pests proposed herein.

Experimental studies
The herbal Bio-larvicidal composition subject hereof was demonstrably effective against FAW in following trials undertaken by the applicant named herein.

a) Larvicidal activity:
The herbal Bio-larvicidal composition subject hereof was administered to FAW as food poison treatment. 23.33 per cent mortality was observed at 24 hours under dosing of 2mlL-1 while 0 per cent mortality was observed in water spray (Control). Results of this study are listed in Table 2 below-

Treatment 1 DAS
(24 hrs) 2 DAS
(48 hrs) 3 DAS
(72 hrs) Over all (Mean)
1ml/lit 14.75
(13.33)* 9.00
(10.00) 9.00
(10.00) 23.63
(34.07)
2ml/lit 21.69
(23.33) 27.47
(36.67) 28.80
(40.00) 51.42
(100.00)
5ml/lit 11.06
(10.00) 12.69
(13.33) 16.37
(16.67) 25.97
(40.00)
Control 0.00
(0.00) 0.00
(0.00) 0.00 0.00
SEm 3.08 4.25 4.39 54.70
CD 9.23 12.74 13.17 54.70
CV 58.01 77.29 67.88 54.70

Table 2
* Figures in parentheses are original values while those outside are arcsine transformed values

b) Effect on biology and morphometrics
The herbal Bio-larvicidal composition subject hereof was found to be effective at all stages in lifecycle of FAW, as seen from observations respectively listed in Tables 3 to 10 below. T1 to T3 reflect various concentrations at which the herbal Bio-larvicidal composition subject hereof was applied.
Sr. No. Control
(water spray) T1
(1ml/lit) T2
(2ml/lit) T3
(5ml/lit)
1 17.60 13.40 10.20 11.00
2 17.20 14.40 11.60 10.80
3 18.20 11.20 10.60 11.60
4 19.40 12.40 10.60 10.80
5 18.80 13.20 11.00 10.80
6 18.60 13.00 9.60 10.40
7 17.20 13.00 12.20 10.40
8 17.40 14.00 11.40 11.40
9 17.40 15.20 9.80 11.20
10 17.40 14.20 11.20 11.40
Total 179.20 134.00 108.20 109.80
Mean 17.92 13.40 10.82 10.98
Min 17.20 11.20 9.60 10.40
Max 19.40 15.20 12.20 11.60
SD 0.78 1.13 0.82 0.42
Table 3. Effect on Total Larval Period (Days)

Sr. No. Control
(water spray) T1
(1ml/lit) T2
(2ml/lit) T3
(5ml/lit)
1 8.40 9.00 17.40 14.60
2 9.40 14.00 16.80 13.60
3 8.40 12.20 16.80 14.40
4 8.00 14.00 17.00 14.20
5 7.00 14.20 16.40 12.40
6 8.20 11.00 15.80 16.60
7 8.00 11.60 16.80 15.20
8 8.00 14.60 17.80 16.00
9 8.20 13.80 18.60 16.60
10 8.80 13.00 18.00 14.80
Total 82.40 127.40 171.40 148.40
Mean 8.24 12.74 17.14 14.84
Min 7.00 9.00 15.80 12.40
Max 9.40 14.60 18.60 16.60
SD 0.62 1.78 0.82 1.33
Table 4. Effect on Pupal Period (Days)

Sr. No. Control
(water spray) T1
(1ml/lit) T2
(2ml/lit) T3
(5ml/lit)
1 1.78 1.60 1.16 1.39
2 1.86 1.56 1.15 1.28
3 1.76 1.52 1.27 1.41
4 1.80 1.52 1.03 1.34
5 1.96 1.46 1.09 1.16
6 1.92 1.60 1.27 1.24
7 1.82 1.60 1.22 1.41
8 1.72 1.56 1.26 1.42
9 1.72 1.58 1.00 1.17
10 1.83 1.64 1.25 1.17
Total 18.17 15.64 11.71 13.00
Mean 1.82 1.56 1.17 1.30
Min 1.76 1.46 1.00 1.16
Max 1.96 1.64 1.27 1.42
SD 0.08 0.05 0.10 0.11
Table 5. Effect on Pupal weight (g)

Sr. No. Control
(water spray) T1
(1ml/lit) T2
(2ml/lit) T3
(5ml/lit)
1 1.60 1.42 1.16 1.26
2 1.64 1.44 1.14 1.20
3 1.62 1.58 1.06 1.22
4 1.60 1.52 1.08 1.28
5 1.58 1.50 1.16 1.28
6 1.66 1.46 1.14 1.26
7 1.60 1.54 1.26 1.34
8 1.54 1.54 1.22 1.28
9 1.58 1.48 1.02 1.18
10 1.64 1.38 1.12 1.08
Total 16.06 14.86 11.36 12.38
Mean 1.61 1.49 1.14 1.24
Min 1.54 1.38 1.02 1.08
Max 1.66 1.58 1.26 1.34
SD 0.04 0.06 0.07 0.07
Table 5. Effect on Pupal Length (cm)

Sr. No. No. of Pupa Observed No. of Adult Emergence % of Pupal Emergence
T1 (1ml/lit) 50 41 82
T2 (2ml/lit) 50 35 70
T3 (5ml/lit) 50 32 64
T4 (Control) 50 48 96
Table 6. Effect on Pupal Emergence

Sr.
No. Control
(water spray) T1 (1ml/lit) T2
(2ml/lit) T3
(5ml/lit)
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
1 1.84 1.48 1.64 1.32 1.60 1.11 1.58 1.30
2 1.86 1.36 1.72 1.50 1.56 0.98 1.72 1.22
3 1.86 1.58 1.78 1.30 1.52 1.12 1.78 1.22
4 1.96 1.42 1.76 1.36 1.52 1.05 1.58 1.36
5 1.94 1.62 1.78 1.34 1.46 1.24 1.68 1.28
6 1.98 1.60 1.78 1.28 1.60 1.06 1.70 1.26
7 2.02 1.90 1.84 1.44 1.60 1.15 1.68 1.38
8 1.94 1.46 1.88 1.50 1.56 1.09 1.82 1.48
9 2.04 1.68 1.78 1.46 1.58 1.10 1.76 1.24
10 1.92 1.48 1.64 1.34 1.64 1.12 1.56 1.42
Total 19.36 15.58 17.60 13.84 15.64 11.03 16.86 13.16
Mean 1.94 1.56 1.76 1.38 1.56 1.10 1.69 1.32
Min 1.84 1.36 1.64 1.28 1.52 0.98 1.56 1.22
Max 2.04 1.90 1.88 1.50 1.64 1.24 1.82 1.48
SD 0.07 0.16 0.08 0.08 0.05 0.07 0.09 0.09
Table 7. Effect on Adult Length (cm)

Sr.
No. Control
(water spray) T1
(1ml/lit) T2
(2ml/lit) T3
(5ml/lit)
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
1 3.36 3.02 3.02 2.90 2.90 2.40 3.00 2.70
2 3.42 2.64 3.20 2.64 2.82 2.44 3.00 2.92
3 3.42 3.12 3.22 2.56 3.02 2.26 3.08 2.40
4 3.56 3.00 3.00 3.00 2.76 2.36 2.98 2.50
5 3.26 3.00 3.08 2.82 2.82 2.30 2.96 2.48
6 3.74 2.80 3.46 2.52 2.86 2.30 3.06 2.86
7 3.56 2.98 3.30 2.98 2.84 2.44 2.96 2.70
8 3.36 3.16 3.26 2.98 2.92 2.32 3.04 2.64
9 3.30 3.06 3.12 2.78 2.90 2.24 3.00 2.82
10 3.40 3.12 3.26 2.70 2.98 2.18 2.98 2.80
Total 34.38 29.90 31.92 27.88 28.82 23.24 30.06 26.82
Mean 3.44 2.99 3.19 2.79 2.88 2.32 3.01 2.68
Min 3.26 2.64 3.00 2.52 2.76 2.18 2.96 2.40
Max 3.74 3.16 3.46 2.98 3.02 2.44 3.08 2.92
SD 0.14 0.16 0.14 0.18 0.08 0.09 0.04 0.18
Table 8. Effect on Adult Width (Wing span) (cm)

Sr.
No. Control
(water spray) T1
(1ml/lit) T2
(2ml/lit) T3
(5ml/lit)
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
1 17.80 13.80 8.20 8.20 5.60 5.00 12.00 10.80
2 13.60 12.40 11.40 11.40 5.00 5.00 12.00 9.80
3 15.60 13.40 11.60 11.60 6.00 5.20 12.00 9.60
4 17.00 14.80 8.80 8.80 6.40 5.00 11.00 9.20
5 18.20 14.20 10.20 10.20 6.60 4.80 13.00 9.80
6 18.00 13.20 11.80 11.00 8.20 5.80 11.60 10.20
7 14.00 12.00 14.60 11.20 6.80 4.60 10.40 9.20
8 16.20 14.80 12.40 10.40 5.60 4.60 10.60 10.60
9 16.20 15.00 13.60 13.00 6.00 4.80 11.60 8.20
10 17.80 14.60 14.60 11.20 7.00 4.20 12.60 9.80
Total 164.40 138.20 117.20 107.00 63.20 49.00 116.80 97.20
Mean 16.44 13.82 11.72 10.70 6.32 4.90 11.68 9.72
Min 13.60 12.00 8.20 8.20 5.00 4.20 10.40 8.20
Max 18.20 15.00 14.60 13.00 8.20 5.80 13.00 10.80
SD 1.65 1.05 2.21 1.39 0.90 0.42 0.83 0.75
Table 9. Effect on Adult Longevity (Days)
Sr. No. No. of
adults
observed Sex Sex ratio
(Male : Female)
No. of
male No. of
female
T1 41 20 21 1:1.05
T2 35 16 19 1:1.19
T3 32 18 14 1:0.78
T4 (Control) 48 22 26 1:1.18
Total 156 76 80 (Mean)1:1.05
Table 9. Effect on Sex ratio

Sr. No. Control
(water spray) T1 (1ml/lit) T2
(2ml/lit) T3
(5ml/lit)
1 43.80 30.60 33.20 37.60
2 40.20 39.80 33.40 36.40
3 42.20 35.00 33.40 38.00
4 44.40 35.20 34.00 36.00
5 44.00 37.60 34.00 36.20
6 44.80 35.80 33.60 38.60
7 39.20 39.20 35.80 36.00
8 41.60 41.00 34.80 38.00
9 41.80 42.60 34.40 39.40
10 44.00 41.80 36.20 38.80
Total 426.00 378.60 342.80 375.00
Mean 42.60 37.86 34.28 37.50
Min 39.20 30.60 33.20 36.00
Max 44.80 42.60 36.20 39.40
SD 1.90 3.74 1.03 1.27

Table 10. Effect on Total Developmental Period (Days)

Above experimental data proves that the Bio-larvicidal composition subject hereof was effective against all stages (larva, pupa and adult) of FAW.

c) On-field testing
The Bio-larvicidal composition subject hereof was observed to be effective against FAW in on-field testing conditions, wherein treatment with 2mlL-1 dose, sprayed with electric sprayer, was found to be optimal. Observations of field trial are listed in table 11 below.

Treatment 1DAS 1 DAS 3 DAS 7 DAS 10 DAS Over all Mean
1ml/lit 9.56
(3.71) 27.69
(21.70) 31.82
(28.34) 54.77
(65.87) 36.36
(35.51) 27.78
(21.81)
2ml/lit 10.00
(4.00) 34.29
(32.94) 37.96
(38.17) 63.23
(79.07) 50.94
(60.19) 35.85
(34.36)
5ml/lit 9.34
(3.49) 30.00
(25.39) 38.84
(39.52) 52.14
(62.10) 46.33
(52.30) 32.47
(28.95)
10ml/lit 9.77
(3.83) 33.38
(30.64) 35.91
(34.72) 49.15
(56.99) 45.86
(51.64) 31.55
(27.49)
Control 9.89
(4.06) 16.90
(9.26) 10.87
(5.10) 12.59
(6.68) 15.06
(8.84) 14.09
(6.30)
SEm 3.52 26.66 3.55 4.23 4.18 1.75
CD 10.83 26.66 10.95 13.02 12.88 5.38
CV 72.40 26.66 22.87 18.23 21.49 12.31

Table 11. Field trial results

*Figures in parentheses are original values while those outside are arcsine transformed values

Thus, a Bio-larvicide for effective management of FAW and other lepidopteron pests is effectively established, which is environmentally safe and sustainable plant protection against infestation by FAW.

As will be realized further, the present invention is capable of various other embodiments and that its several components and related details are capable of various alterations, all without departing from the basic concept of the present invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive in any form whatsoever. Modifications and variations of the system and apparatus described herein will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and variations are intended to come within ambit of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims. ,CLAIMS:1] A method to prepare a herbal pesticide for management of infestation by fall armyworm, comprising-
a) Subjecting a crude admixture of herbal ingredients to Soxhlet extraction process to obtain an alcoholic extract, wherein said herbal ingredients are-
i. Capsicum Chinense;
ii. Piper nigrum;
iii. Raw Carica papaya;
iv. Calotropis sp.; and
v. Andrographis sp.
b) Admixing sequentially a selection of oils till arriving a final concentration of 1500 PPM to obtain an oil admixture consisting of-
i. oil of Thymus sp.,
ii. oil of Allium sativum,
iii. essential oil of Brassica sp., and
iv. oil of Azadirachta indica.
c) Homogenizing the oil admixture by continuous stirring using a magnetic stirrer for 15 minutes;
d) Adding 1% to 10% v/v emulsifier, being Nonyl Phenol Ethoxylate 9.5 in particular to the homogenized oil admixture to stabilize said homogenized oil admixture;
e) Homogenizing the stabilized oil admixture by continuous stirring using a magnetic stirrer for 30 minutes;
f) Adding the alcoholic extract to the homogenized stable oil admixture at a proportion of 1% to 30% v/v to result in the herbal pesticide; and
g) Homogenizing the herbal pesticide by continuous stirring using a magnetic stirrer for 60 minutes to reach the final herbal pesticide for management of infestation by fall armyworm in a ready-to-use form.

2] The method to prepare a herbal pesticide for management of infestation by fall armyworm as claimed in claim 1, wherein the admixture of herbal ingredients is prepared by admixing-
a) 10gm to 40gm of powdered Capsicum Chinense fruit;
b) 10gm to 40gm of powdered Piper nigrum fruit;
c) 1gm to 10gm of powdered raw Carica papaya fruit;
d) 1gm to 10gm of powdered areal parts of Calotropis sp.; and
e) 1gm to 10gm of powdered areal parts of Andrographis sp.

3] The method to prepare a herbal pesticide for management of infestation by fall armyworm as claimed in claim 1, wherein, during the Soxhlet extraction process to obtain the alcoholic extract, Isopropyl alcohol in the ratio of 1:5 to the crude admixture of herbal ingredients on a w/v basis.

4] A herbal pesticide for management of infestation by fall armyworm, comprising-
a) an alcoholic extract, prepared by Soxhlet extraction method, from a crude admixture consisting of-
i. powdered Capsicum Chinense fruit;
ii. powdered Piper nigrum fruit;
iii. powdered raw Carica papaya fruit;
iv. powdered Calotropis sp. fruit;
v. powdered Andrographis sp. fruit;
b) an admixture of sequentially-admixed oils of Thymus sp., Allium sativum, essential oil of Brassica sp., and Azadirachta indica, said admixture being stabilized by addition of 1% to 10% v/v of an emulsifier, being Nonyl Phenol Ethoxylate 9.5 in particular.
Wherein the alcoholic extract is admixed with the homogenized stable oil admixture at a proportion of 1% to 30% v/v to result in the herbal pesticide.

5] The herbal pesticide for management of infestation by fall armyworm as claimed in claim 4, wherein weight of the powdered Capsicum Chinense fruit used in preparation of the alcoholic extract is between 10gm to 40gm.

6] The herbal pesticide for management of infestation by fall armyworm as claimed in claim 4, wherein weight of the powdered Piper nigrum fruit used in preparation of the alcoholic extract is between 10gm to 40gm.

7] The herbal pesticide for management of infestation by fall armyworm as claimed in claim 4, wherein weight of the powdered raw Carica papaya fruit used in preparation of the alcoholic extract is between 1gm to 10gm.

8] The herbal pesticide for management of infestation by fall armyworm as claimed in claim 4, wherein weight of the powdered Calotropis sp. fruit used in preparation of the alcoholic extract is between 1gm to 10gm.

9] The herbal pesticide for management of infestation by fall armyworm as claimed in claim 4, wherein weight of the powdered Andrographis sp. fruit used in preparation of the alcoholic extract is between 1gm to 10gm.