Potential of using phorbol esters as an insecticide against Spodoptera frugiperda

► Jatropha curcas oil is rich in bioactive diterpenoids (phorbol esters, PEs). ► In this study, insecticidal activity of extracted PEs (PEs enriched fraction, PEEF) from Jatropha oil was evaluated against Spodoptera frugiperda (third instar larvae). ► The PEEF exhibited contact toxicity, declined the food consumption, relative growth and food conversion efficiency. ► The PEEF could be utilized as a biocontrol agent.