INTRODUCTION

Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) belongs to the family Fabaceae (Lambridges &

Godwin 2006). This lentil is a good source of proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins for

the human race all over the world. It is an important grain legume and is extensively

grown in tropical and subtropical countries of the world (Asante, Tamo & Jackai 2002). It

is a low-input short-duration crop, and is priced for its seeds which have high protein

level, are easily digestible and consumed as food. Because of its non-flatulent behaviour

(digestibility) and high protein level, it has an edge over other pulses (Ghafoor, Ahmad &

Quyyum 2003). It has the ability to fix nitrogen to the soil because of its root nodules

(Hoorman, Islam & Sundermeier 2009).

Mung beans are attacked by a host of insect species. The sap-sucking insects such

as Aphis craccivora, Empoasca spp., Cicadella viridis, Bemisia tabaci (whitefly) are the

major pests of mung bean. These insects not only reduce the vigour of the plant by

sucking the sap, but also transmit diseases which reduce the rate of photosynthesis and

ultimately cause a reduction in yield. Insecticides are used as effective means to control

insect population in the field and store. The greatest drawback on the use of synthetic

insecticides is the effects to the environment and the danger it post to other human. Thus,

an alternative is needed to be in placed through the use of botanical based pesticides,

Plant-derived materials are more readily biodegradable and less toxic to mammals and

may retard the development of resistance (Asawalam & Anaeto 2014). One of the plants

found to contain insecticidal properties is Kantutay which scientifically termed as

Lantana camara Linn. Kantutay is an erect or sub-candent, half-climbing, gregarious

somewhat hairy and strongly aromatic plant. It is a small branching shrub with angled

and prickly branches that grow up to 2-meter long.

Lantana camara l. is a common plant among Filipinos and is widely spread in the

Philippines. It has essential oil as defined by its anti-ashmatic and pectoral properties. L.

camara is a favorite remedy for snakebite. A strong decoction of the leaves being taken

internally and externally to wash eczema while crushed leaves are good for wounds and

are applied as poultice in sprains. L. camara has lantanine- a good substitute for quinine,

which is an antipyretic (fever-reducing), antimalarial, analgesic (painkilling), and anti-

inflammatory property (Kensa 2011). Studies conducted in India have found that Lantana

leaves and barks can display antimicrobial, fungicidal and insecticidal properties. The

toxicity of L. camara to humans is undetermined as no one dared to physically taste the

plant because of its unpleasant aroma (Sathish 2001). These bioactive characteristics and

chemical components of the various parts of kantutay and its widespread availability

made it possible for the plant to be considered as subject based for botanical insecticides

to eradicate insect pest in crops.