Abstract
Pesticides from botanical origin are eco-friendly compounds that could be better alternative to synthetic ones. In this research, the essential oils Purslane, Mustard and Castor in their bulk and nano phase were assessed for their toxic and ovipositional deterrent influence on the larvae of Spodoptera littoralis under laboratory conditions. The most efficient oils were the bulk and nano phases of Purslane oil followed by Mustard and the least activity was noted for Castor. At high concentration, the percentages of larval mortality recorded were 75.3, 45.77 and 18. 3% for bulk and 97.2, 82.70 & 67.2 % for nano phase in Purslane, Mustard and Castor, respectively when the highest concentration was tested. Nano - Purslane had significantly the highest insecticidal efficacy against Spodoptera littoralis . Overall, the number of laid eggs has been reduced in a concentration dependent manner of the tested oils.