FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL SPRAY AS A INSECTICIDES OF ACYRANTHES ASPERA LEAVES EXTRACT

Kuddulwar Shreya Suresh, Ramteke Kuldeep Hemraj, Pokharkar Pramod Dattu*

ABSTRACT

The increasing resistance of insect pests to synthetic insecticides and the environmental burden associated with chemical control have intensified interest in botanical insecticides. Plant-based formulations are attractive because they are biodegradable, comparatively safer to non-target organisms, and can contain multiple bioactive compounds with synergistic action. Achyranthes aspera has shown promising pesticidal potential in prior studies, including significant entomocidal activity against mosquito larvae and molluscicidal effects, with phytochemical evidence suggesting the importance of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and terpenoids in its bioactivity.[1],[2] In formulation science, herbal and botanical insecticidal products have been successfully developed as emulsifiable concentrates and spray systems, where stability, droplet behavior, and field applicability are critical performance factors.[3],[4] In the present study framework, a polyherbal spray was formulated using ethanol extract of A. aspera leaves with suitable excipients to improve dispersion, sprayability, and storage stability. The formulation was evaluated for pH, physical appearance, homogeneity, spray pattern, stability, and insecticidal efficacy against target pests under laboratory conditions. Based on prior evidence, the proposed spray is expected to provide measurable mortality and repellency through the combined action of phytoconstituents while offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional insecticides.[5]

Keywords: Achyranthes aspera, polyherbal spray, botanical insecticide, insecticidal activity, herbal formulation, phytochemical screening.