摘要：In an endeavour to explore secondary metabolites as an important and safe means of
pest management, we investigated the effects of pyrogallol, a phenolic compound, on
the growth and development of Spodoptera litura (Fab.). It is a serious pest of a large
number of economically important crops. Different concentrations viz., 1, 5, 25, 125,
625, 3125 ppm of pyrogallol were incorporated in artificial diet of larvae and the
antibiosis influence was ascertained by feeding second instar larvae on this diet. The
larval and total development period increased significantly with increase in
concentration of the pyrogallol. Inhibitory effects of the compound were observed on
per cent pupation, per cent emergence and adult longevity. All nutritional indices were
also significantly affected. Thus it can be considered as a promising substance to be
used as a biopesticide against the insect pest.
