In-vitro and in-silico analysis of methanolic crude extracts of Mountain knotgrass Aerva lanta (L.) against two lepidopteran pests and non-target species

The present research investigates the toxicological screening of crude methanol extracts Avera lanata (Mx-Al) traditionally used for its medicinal properties, and explored its potential as an insecticidal agent against the lepidopteran pests Spodoptera litura Fab. and Plutella xylostella L. and their non-target impact on Eudrilis eugeniae. Chemical characterization of Mx-Al revealed thirteen phyto-compounds and the peak area percentage is maximum at beta-D-mannofuranoside (33.96%) and 1-Tetradecyne (21.46%). The larvicidal toxicity of Mx-AI on S. litura (97.23%) and P. xylostella (96.21%) delivered dose-dependent mortality and was significant at 500 ppm. The minimal dosage (200 ppm) extended the larval and pupal durations and significantly reduced the level of ACP, ALP, and LDH against both pests. The non-target toxicity against earthworm displayed higher toxicity to Cypermethrin (0.1 ppm) as compared to Mx-AI (1500 ppm). Further, the In-silico screening showed that the interpretation has significant implications for developing new and more selective inhibitors for P. xylostella and S. litura. Also, Bee-Tox, pkCSM and insecticide-likeness showed that all derivatives of Mx-Al are mostly nontoxic against Bees, protozoa, and rodents respectively, and obeyed the TICE rule violations. Overall, the present results proved that Mx-Al is target specific and harmless to non-target organisms.