Bioactivities of seven chrysanthemum species flowers powder on Spodoptera littoralis (Boiduval) larvae.

We have screened seven Chrysanthemum species, collected from different biotope in Tunisia for the antifeeding and growth regulatory activity against S. littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) an insect pest of tomato. The flowers powder was added to the Poitout and Bues (1974) artificial diet at three concentrations: 4, 8, and 16%. After ten days of treatment, the consumed quantity determination revelled that these species have an antifeeding activity proportional to the concentration, more considerable for the C. fuscatum and C. Myconis flowers powder. At the concentration of 16% the larvae weight was significantly delayed in the average time to the control, these results were compared to the effect of Cestrum parquii on S. littoralis and Pieris brassicae The moulting date determination showed an elongation of the third, fourth and fifth stages at the high concentration probably due to the presence of juvenile hormones Analogues.