摘要：The insecticidal activity of crude extracts and fractions of Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae)was investigated
against Spodoptera litura Fab. (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera). The different treatments differed significantly in their
efficacy. Pupation was nil in chloroform extract and acetone extract, while water extract treated larvae resulted in
least pupal weight and maximum malformed adults. The adult life span was least in acetone solvent followed by
hexane and petroleum ether extracts. Most of the treatments resulted in nil fecundity. Among the chloroform
fractions, the first fraction arrested the pupation. In addition, disturbed moulting, larval-pupal intermediates and
malformed moth emergence/dead pupae were also observed.
