Bio-Efficacy of Solanum torvum (Sw.) and Molecular Docking Insights for Sustainable Pest Control against Spodoptera litura (Fab.)

Abstract The antifeedant, larvicidal and histological effects of Solanum torvum leaf extracts were investigated against Spodoptera litura. The study found that the S. torvum ethyl acetate leaf extract showed a significant antifeedant effect against S. litura of (86.16%) at 5%. Ethyl acetate extract showed a larvicidal activity against S. litura of 88.21% and the LC50 value was 2.05%. Exposure of larvae to ethyl acetate leaf extract resulted in significant histological damage, particularly affecting epithelial, goblet and digestive cells. The molecular docking observation of insect chitin protein was noted in campesterin resulting in -7.8 kcal/mole energy. The results suggest that the inclusion of these plant extracts in integrated pest management approaches can promote sustainable and environmentally friendly pest control methods in agriculture.