| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| : | 2009 |
| Authors: | S. Ahalya, Mikunthan G. |
| Journal: | American-Eurasian Journal of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences |
| Volume: | 6 |
| Pagination: | 184-187 |
| Date Published: | 2009 |
| : | 1818-6769; 1990-4053 |
| : | Leaves of Gymnema sylvestre are traditionally used to treat diabetes mellitus. The presence of the fauna on the leaves may cause risk when consumed unnoticed with fresh leaves and they may have an effect on plant physiology as well as on phytochemical profile of the plant. Hence, it is important to study the arthropods associated with G. sylvestre. This study was conducted in a multiplication field of an acre area having 1300 plants and in household areas in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. 20 different arthropods were identified. Among them 15 were phytophagous viz: 5 Lepidopterans, Euploea sp, Tirumala sp, Hanncappsia sp, Orgyia sp, Micronia sp, 3 beetles Chrysomela sp, Epilachna sp and snout beetle (Curculionidae), a mite species (Tarsonemidae), an aphid Aphis nerii, a bug Geocoris sp, a grasshopper (Acrididae), a katydid Neoconocephalus sp, a mealybug (Pseudococcidae) and leafminer (Lepidoptera), 5 predatory species, Monochilus sexmaculates, Syrphus sp, Amblysius sp and two spiders were found. Tarsonemid mite infestation caused the leaves to wither and shed subsequently and the damage was assessed as 47.26%. Lepidopterans were associated with 72% of sampled vines where as 52% plants were with sucking insects and 48% plants with leaf miners. This is the first report of fauna associated with G. sylvestre and it is expected to make awareness to the public especially the diabetic patients who consume raw leaves and for the industries prepare it in powder form. Further investigations on the presence of these faunal species and their impact on this medicinal plant have to be done. |