The xerophytic perennial plant, Agave cantala Roxb. was studied for its biological activity on diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (L.). When cabbage leaves treated with acetone extract of A. cantala leaf were fed to the larvae in all instars, the extract was found to be weakly toxic at the highest concentration of 60 mg/ml, but it prolonged the larval and pupal periods, decreased the percentage of adult emergence and adult longevity. The fecundity and egg hatchability of adults emerging from final instar larvae fed with treated leaves decreased significantly. The eggs laid on treated leaves showed reduced hatchability.
