Insecticidal activity of fruit peel extracts of pomegranate (<i>Punica granatum</i>) against tomato leaf miner, <i>Tuta absoluta</i> (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Chemical constituents of Pomegranate, Punica granatum fruit peels, were extracted and tested for their toxicity against eggs and second instar larvae of tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) under laboratory conditions. The total methanol extract was the most effective against both eggs and larvae with LC50 values of 100.777 and 53.203 ppm, respectively. Methylene chloride fraction exhibits more ovicidal activity, with LC50 value of 253.084 ppm, while ethyl acetate fraction exhibits more larvicidal activity with LC50 value of: 83.508 ppm. Also, the volatile chemical constituents of each fraction were characterized and identified by GC/MS technique. The high potency of P. granatum fruit peels extracts against eggs and larvae of T. absoluta make it worthwhile as environmentally friendly alternatives of traditional insecticides.