author(s)
Arti Vasudev, Jaspreet Kaur, Ishani Punj, Parwinder Kaur Gill, Satwinder K. Sohal

abstract
Growth inhibitory potential of methanol and acetone bark extracts from Acacia nilotica was determined using artificial diet bioassay against first, second and third instar larvae of Bactrocera cucurbitae at concentrations ranging from 1-625ppm. Both extracts adversely affected the larval period and total developmental period of B. cucurbitae, a serious pest of cucurbit crops. Percentage pupation and emergence were significantly inhibited. Significant effects of the extracts were observed on the activity of GSTs, esterases and catalases in the second instar larvae of B. cucurbitae. The GST activity was induced with both the extracts, while an induction in the esterases activity was observed only with acetone extract. Elevated levels of catalase were noticed on prolonged treatment of the larvae with both extracts. These studies indicated the effectiveness of both extracts against the melon fruit fly and further investigations are needed to evaluate this activity against wide range of insect pests.