Phytochemical Characteristics and Insecticidal Activity of Sida acuta (Burm. f.) against Sitophilus oryzae (L.)

Pest attacks are crucial contemporary problems in recent decades that may cause severe damage to their host and their products. Therefore, controlling the pest attacks is very crucial. Hence, the present study aimed to control the insecticidal activity of Sitophilus oryzae L. with the help of Sida acuta leaf extract. Two types of solvent extracts were used for screening insecticidal activity against Sitophilus oryzae L. by using five different concentrations: control, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg mL^–1, were used to evaluate the insecticidal activity during the study period. The results from the study revealed that a total of 95% of the mortality rate was observed in ethanol-based plant extracts at 72 h of exposure, and 82% of the mortality rate was observed in petroleum ether-based plant extracts at 72 h of exposure. The recorded LC₅₀ values ranged from 41.01 to 35.83 mg mL^–1 in both plant extracts at 72 h of exposure. During the study period, control did not influence the insecticidal activity of Sitophilus oryzae L. The analyzed phytochemical properties revealed that the Sida acuta plant is an alkaloid in nature, and it may possess valuable pharmaceutical properties, and these properties may influence the insecticidal activity of Sitophilus oryzae L. However, the use of Sida aucta leaf extract provided good results in controlling the insecticidal activity against Sitophilus oryzae L. Moreover, the use of botanical insecticides may reduce toxicity in ecosystems and provide cost-effective methods for farmers.