Search

Data of moratlityof essential oils from Eucalyptus cinerea, Schinus areira, Baccharis spartiodes and the biopesticide spinosad, and DL50 on Ceratitis capitata adults.&nbsp

Vegetables are considered high value crops based on their growing areas and productivity, even if they are affected by a variety of insect pests throughout the whole growing season. Leaf miner is an immature of an insect that lives inside and consumes the leaf tissues of vegetable plants. Adult females of leaf miner puncture the leaf with their ovipositor, forming tube pattern, and feed on the punctured parts. Host plants survey of leaf miner in Multan (Pakistan) area was conducted. Twenty host plants were found in 2017, whereas twenty-four host plants were found infested with Liriomyza spp. (Diptera) in 2022 i.e., watermelon (24% infestation), long melon (75%), pumpkin (71%), round gourd (67%), snake melon (70%), bitter gourd (50%), long gourd (89%), bottle gourd (93%), pointed gourd (80%), snap gourd (86%), ridge gourd (83%), cucumber (98%), mung bean (98%), eggplant (60%), Petunia alba (88%), Zinnia elegies (30%), cotton (10%), okra (5%), berseem (7%), tomato (89%), Pea (52%) and Canola (28%). No infestation of leaf miners was observed on potato, chilies, and sweet potatoes. Color attraction results in 2017 and 2022 showed that there was maximum attraction of tomato leaf miner towards yellow sticky cards as compared to blue sticky cards. Varietal preference of tomato crop showed that Baby red variety was the most preferred by leaf miner (Liriomyza spp.), and comparatively Sehar was the least preferred variety. Field efficacy of four different insecticides against leaf miner were also tested. Insecticidal effects attributed as percent reduction of leaf miner infestation that showed the highest reduction values were observed after 7 DOA for Spinetoram (76.98%), whereas Bifenthrin (57%). Deltaphos (43 %) was the least toxic insecticide against Liriomyza spp. Integrated approaches are recommended to manage vegetable leaf miner like application of yellow sticky traps, discouraging preferred host plants, application of insecticides with novel modes of actions like spintoram and spinosad for effective management.

BACKGROUND Scabies is a contagious skin disease resulting from Sarcoptes scabiei infestation. There are no approved over-the-counter treatments, and approved prescription products have disadvantages, including potential resistance. Spinosad, an insecticide derived from fermentation of a soil actinobacterium, shows promise as a potential treatment agent. OBJECTIVE Combined results from 2 controlled clinical studies were used to evaluate the efficacy of 0.9% spinosad topical suspension in the eradication of scabies. METHODS Each study included index subjects (the youngest household members with active scabies) and up to 5 other members in each household. Subjects applied 0.9% spinosad or vehicle once. Primary efficacy was the percentage of index subjects with complete cure on day 28. Additional efficacy included clinical cure, microscopic cure, and lesion counts. RESULTS Spinosad at 0.9% is not equivalent to vehicle in the percentage of index subjects achieving complete cure on day 28 (78.1% vs 39.6%, respectively; P

Heterologous expression of the biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) is important for studying the microbial natural products (NPs), especially for those kept in silent or poorly expressed in their original strains. Here, we cloned the spinosad BGC through the Cas9-Assisted Targeting of Chromosome segments and amplified it to five copies through a ZouA-dependent DNA amplification system in Streptomyces coelicolor M1146. The resulting strain produced 1253.9 ± 78.2 μg l-1 of spinosad, which was about 224-fold compared with that of the parent strain carrying only one copy of the spinosad BGC. Moreover, we further increased spinosad to 1958.9 ± 73.5 μg l-1 by the dynamic regulation of intracellular triacylglycerol degradation. Our study indicates that tandem amplification of the targeted gene cluster is particularly suitable to enhance the heterologous production of valuable NPs with efficiency and simplicity.

In Japan, the American serpentine leafminer, Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) (Diptera: Agromyzidae), was first observed in 1990, causing serious damage on a wide variety of crops. Liriomyza trifolii continues to infest crops today, despite changes in insecticides used between 1990 and the present. In this study, the insecticide susceptibilities of L. trifolii reared for successive generations over 25 years, from 1991 to 2016, as well as of L. trifolii collected in crop fields in 2015, were investigated. The respective results were compared with those of a study conducted by other researchers in 1991. High insecticide susceptibility in all L. trifolii strains was found for isoxathion, spinetoram, spinosad, emamectin benzoate, lepimectin, cartap, cyromazine, and cyantraniliprole. Insecticides appearing to have caused a decrease in susceptibility were clothianidin, dinotefuran, thiamethoxam, thiocyclam, and pyridalyl. Low insecticide susceptibility for all strains was found for malathion, cypermethrin, permethrin, and milbemectin. These results provide useful insights that will inform the management of insecticide susceptibility in successive generations of insect pests in the field and in the laboratory.

Controlled-release pesticide formulations using natural polymers as carriers are highly desirable owing to their good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and improved pesticide utilization. In this study, the application potential of our previously prepared spinosad/chitosan controlled-release suspension (SCCS) was evaluated through both toxicity and dissipation tests. A comparison with the spinosad suspension concentrate and the commercial spinosad emulsion in water showed that the insecticidal activity of SCCS against Plutella xylostella larvae displayed the best quick-acting performance as well as long-term efficacy of more than 20 days. The 48 h LC50 for a 20-day efficacy was calculated to be 29.36 mg/L. The dissipation behavior of spinosad in the spinosad/chitosan microparticles in soil was found to follow the first-order kinetics, with a relatively shorter half-life (2.1 days) than that observed for the unformulated spinosad (3.1 days). This work showed the positive effect of chitosan on spinosad in improving insecticidal activity and reducing environmental risks in soil, which provided useful information on the application potential of pesticide-carrier systems based on natural polymer materials in crop protection and food safety.

In an endeavor to ascertain the efficacy of insecticides with a varied mode of action to combat the invasive alien pest fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda in Maize an experiment was conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Nandyal, Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Andhra Pradesh, India for a period of three years (2019/20/21) in rabi season. The present findings revealed that poison bait with Thiodicarb 75 SP (50 kg rice bran + 5 kg Jaggery + 500 g Thiodicarb 75 SP @ 50 kg/ha) was effective in the management of fall armyworm. Least cob damage of 8.5 percent and higher yield of 7344 kg/ha was observed in the “poison bait” treatment. Spinosad 45SC@ 175 ml/ha and Spinetoram 11.7SC @ 250 ml/ha treatments showed on par resuilts with poison bait treatment. In the case of Spinosad 45SC@ 175 ml/ha, 11.57 percent of cob damage and 6852 kg/ha yield was recorded, whereas Spinetoram 11.7SC@250 ml/ha treated plots showed 14.3 percent of cob damage with 6813 kg/ha yield. Our field experiment concluded that poison bait followed by Spinosad 45SC and Spinetoram 11.7SC were effective in management of fall armyworm in Maize.

The larval-pupal endoparasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead, 1905) is considered one of the main biological control agents of fruit flies Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (1824) and Anastrepha fraterculus Wiedemann (1830) in Central and South America. The application of pesticides for disease and insect-pest management in fruit species may have adverse effects on the parasitoid. The objective of this study was to evaluate the lethal and sublethal effects via residual contact of commercial pesticide formulations on D. longicaudata. The active ingredients thiamethoxam, indoxacarb, chlorpyrifos, deltamethrin, spinetoram, spinosad, phosmet, lambda-cyhalothrin, malathion, dimethoate, and methidationa showed high toxicity to adults (100% mortality) after 96 h and were classified as harmful (Class 4). In contrast, the formulations of azadirachtin (Agroneem 850 EC, Azact 2.4 EC, Azamax 12 EC, and Fitoneem 850 EC), chlorantraniliprole, bordeaux mixture, sulfur, lufenuron, lime sulphur, novalurom, and mancozeb were rated as innocuous (

American bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera is the foremost insect that negatively affected cotton crops around the world. A field experiment was conducted at the Sedi-Salem area, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate,Egypt to assess the bioefficacy of emamectin benzoate 5 SG(EB)on cotton against H. armigera.The tested pesticides were used as a foliar application under field conditions at the2019-2020season.The experiment was designed in plots of 5 m × 5 m size using a randomized block design (RBD) with seven different treatments.A pneumatic knapsack sprayer was used for foliar application of tested pesticides. Three doses of EB @ 7, 11, and 15 g a.i./ha were evaluated against the pest under study. Furthermore, endosulfan 35 EC, Proclaim®, Spinosad 45 SC, and an untreated blank were also included in the field experiment. The findings concluded that 11 g a.i./ha of EB was the active dose for controlling the larval population of H. armigera.This dose caused a 64.75% reduction of boll damageover an untreated check at the end of observation in the field experiment.The yield ranged from 16.00 to 19.66 q/ha in all treatments.EB at 15 g a.i./ha was a very effective dose which was on par with the final results of 11 g a.i./ha.Entirely EB treatments augmented seed cotton yield under field conditions as compared to the control plot. The study demonstrates the potentiality of EB as an eco-friendly bioinsecticide against the American bollworm.The effective doses of EB @ 11and 15 g a.i./ha should be used in the cotton field to manage the infestation of H. armigera.

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is considered one of the most destructive insect pests of chickpea crops in Morocco; however, the extent of the yield loss it causes in Morocco is unknown. This study assessed the yield losses and pod damage caused by the chickpea pod borer H. armigera on four improved Kabuli varieties with insecticide treatment at two different locations. The second part of this study investigated the contact and systemic toxicity of different biological and selective insecticides in the control of the larvae of H. armigera under controlled laboratory and field conditions. The results demonstrated that the yield losses due to H. armigera infestation were in the range of 14.3–31.2%. Chickpea pod borer infestation resulted in losses in the total seed weight for all the chickpea varieties, with the highest yield losses for Zahor (F84-145C) being 31.18% at Allal Tazi followed by Farihane (F84-79C) with 27.38% at the Marchouch station. Emamectin benzoate at 250 g/ha showed a high level of larvicidal and systemic activity, with 100% mortality 24 h after application. Indoxacarb at 25 mL/100 L water, recorded 100% and 92% larval mortality in larvicidal and systemic activity, 48 h after application, respectively. The bioinsecticide spinosad in 30 mL/100 L water resulted in 88% and 92% larval mortality in contact and systemic activity, 48 h after application, respectively. Under field conditions, the two insecticides emamectin benzoate and indoxacarb were found to be highly effective in reducing the H. armigera larval population and pod damage after two sprays. Both insecticide treatments significantly increased grain yields compared with the untreated plots, with 25.8% and 24.5%, respectively. These findings showed that two applications of the selective chemical insecticides emamectin benzoate or indoxacarb with a week interval starting from the pod setting could be incorporated into the management strategies for the control of H. armigera.

The present investigation entitled Comparative efficacy of chemicals with biopesticides against Tomato fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera (hubner) on Tomato, Solanum lycopersicum (L.) under field conditions. cultivar i.e. Pusa Ruby was conducted during December to March 2019-20 at Central Research Farm, SHUATS, Naini, Prayagraj. The incidence of Helicoverpa armigera in tomato was starting from early stage of flowering till to the harvesting. The approaches for chemical management of tomato fruit borer were found effective than control. Two applications of seven insecticides viz; Neem oil @ 5%, Spinosad 45 SC @ 0.4%, Bacillus thuringiensis @ 5%, Neem seed kernel extract @ 5%, Flubendiamide 39.35 SC @ 0.2%, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 0.4%, and Nisco sixer plus @ 1% were evaluated against Tomato fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera. Minimum percent of larval reduction and B:C ratio were observed in Spinosad (80.6 and 1:7.0) followed by Chlorantraniliprole (73.7 and 1:6.8) < Flubendamide (65.5 and 1:6.4) < Nisco sixer plus (63.3 and 1:5.9) < Neem oil (62.6 and 1:5.6) < Neem seed kernel extract (61.2 and 1:5.6).

Larvicides that contain spinosad, a bacterial metabolite, are used to control mosquitoes in diverse aquatic habitats. These same habitats are home to other invertebrates, including Crustacea—fairy shrimp, isopods, and amphipods—and mollusks—fingernail clams and freshwater snails. A double-blind study evaluated the effects of Natular® G, a granular treatment containing spinosad, on spring Aedes spp. and nontarget invertebrates in vernal wetlands. Within 14 days after application, Natular G controlled larvae of spring Aedes by 53–84%, depending on species, but had no significant effects on numbers of fairy shrimp, fingernail clams, or freshwater snails. A second double-blind study evaluated effects on Coquillettidia perturbans and nontarget isopods and amphipods in cattail marshes. Treatment reduced emergence of Cq. perturbans by 25% but did not change numbers of isopods or amphipods. The 2 experiments indicate Natular G could be effective against spring Aedes in vernal wetlands, less so against Cq. perturbans in cattail marshes, and yet pose minimal risk to crustaceans and mollusks in either vernal wetlands or cattail marshes.

Background Control of Zeugodacus cucurbitae, a serious agricultural pest worldwide, often includes or is dependent on the use of spinosad-based insecticides. This is especially the case in Hawaii, where GF-120, a protein bait containing spinosad as the active ingredient, has been in use as a key integrated pest management (IPM) tool against this Tephritid for the last two decades. Here, we report on resistance to spinosad [resistance ratios (RRs) and median lethal concentration (LC50 )] in Hawaii's populations of Z. cucurbitae. Results High resistance was found in populations from three farms on Oahu (RR = 102-303; LC50 = 191-567 mg L-1 ) and in a population from Maui (RR = 8.50; LC50 = 15.9 mg L-1 ). These will be problematic for control given that the most concentrated dilution ratio on the GF-120 label is 96 mg L-1 of spinosad (1 part GF-120 to 1.5 parts water). Background resistance in a naive wild population from the Island of Hawaii (RR = 2.73; LC50 = 5.1 mg L-1 ) was relatively low compared with a spinosad-susceptible laboratory colony (LC50 = 1.87 mg L-1 ). Resistance in the three Oahu and one Maui populations declined over generations in the absence of spinosad but remained elevated in some cases. Moreover, melon flies collected from one of the Oahu farms 1 year after the cessation of spinosad use revealed high persistence of resistance. Conclusion Compared with a 2008 survey of spinosad resistance, our findings indicate a 34-fold increase in resistance on one of the Oahu farms over 9 years. The evolution and persistence of high levels of resistance to spinosad in Z. cucurbitae in Hawaii highlights the need for alternative control tactics, particularly rotation of active ingredients. © 2021 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Background Cultivation of citrus (Sapindales: Rutaceae) crops is continuously expanding in Egypt given the favorable ingredients of citriculture. Notwithstanding the Egyptian rank as the world's largest orange exporter, the Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is one of the major pests that considerably reduces the quality of citrus crops. Contrary to hazardous organophosphate insecticides that are commonly used to control the Medfly, biologically-based C. capitata control tactics were tried herein. The effect of spinosad as a bacterial fermentation product and the nematode Steinernema riobrave as biological insecticides applied singly or in combination on laboratory and field strains of Medfly were investigated. Results A significant difference in LC50 values was observed between laboratory strain (4.78 PPM) and field strain (8.12 PPM) of C. capitata larvae exposed to spinosad. A 1.7 fold decrease in susceptibility of field strain was recorded after treatment with spinosad. In a field experiment, a reduction in Medfly population by 80, 37, and 92% for spinosad, S. riobrave, and spinosad + nematode treatments was recorded, respectively. Conclusions Utilization of spinosad-S. riobrave combination in citrus fields, as a novel alternative for unhealthy chemical insecticides to control C. capitata in Egypt can be suggested. Use of this combination should be incorporated into a holistic management package that can be economically feasible and environmentally sustainable for Egyptian agriculture.

Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a pest with an economic impact on various crops and ornamental plants. Different classes of insecticides have been used for P. solenopsis control but rise in resistance is a major concern. Previously resistant selected field populations of P. solenopsis with chlorpyrifos (RR = 15,292-fold), acetamiprid (RR = 10,631-fold), emamectin benzoate (RR = 280-fold), and spinosad (RR = 15,233.84-fold) were used to study the biochemical mechanisms of insecticide resistance in the laboratory. Enzyme assays were performed using P. solenopsis adults in all these resistant populations to determine the activities of different detoxification enzymes associated to different resistance mechanisms to these chemicals. The results revealed that oxidases activity was increased significantly in all selected strains compared with the susceptible strain. The glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity nevertheless showed a significant change. The esterases (EST) activity was significantly higher in all the selected strains except the emamectin benzoate selected strain compared to the susceptible strain. These results confirm the contribution of oxidases and esterases in detoxification of the tested insecticides in P. solenopsis. This information would help to formulate resistance management strategies for this pest.

Pesticides are used to control Tetranychus urticae Koch populations in country bean, Dolichos lablab (L.). The results of using pesticides are more predictable if there is detailed information about their toxicity and specificity. In particular, the degree of pesticide exposure is associated with the adult stages of T. urticae and natural enemies, while determining the overall efficacy of pesticide use. The present study was carried out to determine the direct and residual effects of seven pesticides, namely abamectin, abamectin + bifenthrin, spinosad, chlorfenapyr, deltamethrin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam against Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) and residual toxicity of these pesticides against the pest and its predator Coccinella septempunctata (L.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) adults. In the laboratory trials, abamectin caused 100% mortality of T. urticae within 3 h, abamectin + bifenthrin within 6 h and other pesticides within 48 h except for imidacloprid and thiamethoxam. When the toxicity of T. urticae eggs was examined, the egg mortality for all pesticide treatments was significantly higher than the control. Abamectin + bifenthrin and chlorfenapyr caused 100% egg mortality followed by application of abamectin (95%) and deltamethrin (82%). On the other hand, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid and spinosad showed 63%, 65% and 71% egg mortality, respectively. In potted bean plants, abamectin, abamectin + bifenthrin and chlorfenapyr showed significant mortality of T. urticae over control up to 21 days and the rest of the pesticides showed up to 14 days. Abamectin and chlorfenapyr showed higher residual efficacy against T. urticae but low toxicity against C. septempunctata. Imidacloprid had the longest residual effect on adults of C. septempunctata causing 20% mortality after 21 days, but low toxicity against T. urticae. Abamectin + bifenthrin residue caused > 20% mortality of C. septempunctata after 14 days of exposure. Therefore, abamectin and chlorfenapyr can be used for the management of T. urticae because of their higher toxicity against T. urticae and low residual activity against C. septempunctata.

Saccharopolyspora spinosa is a well-known actinomycete for producing the secondary metabolites, spinosad, which is a potent insecticides possessing both efficiency and safety. In the previous researches, great efforts, including physical mutagenesis, fermentation optimization, genetic manipulation and other methods, have been employed to increase the yield of spinosad to hundreds of folds from the low-yield strain. However, the metabolic network in S. spinosa still remained un-revealed. In this study, two S. spinosa strains with different spinosad production capability were fermented and sampled at three fermentation periods. Then the total RNA of these samples was isolated and sequenced to construct the transcriptome libraries. Through transcriptomic analysis, large numbers of differentially expressed genes were identified and classified according to their different functions. According to the results, spnI and spnP were suggested as the bottleneck during spinosad biosynthesis. Primary metabolic pathways such as carbon metabolic pathways exhibited close relationship with spinosad formation, as pyruvate and phosphoenolpyruvic acid were suggested to accumulate in spinosad high-yield strain during fermentation. The addition of soybean oil in the fermentation medium activated the lipid metabolism pathway, enhancing spinosad production. Glutamic acid and aspartic acid were suggested to be the most important amino acids and might participate in spinosad biosynthesis.

The present study evaluated insecticide resistance in field populations of onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), collected from eight different onion-growing regions of Punjab, Pakistan. These field-collected populations were assessed for resistance development against eight commonly used active ingredients including deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, spinosad, spinetoram, cypermethrin, and abamectin. In leaf dip bioassays, T. tabaci adults showed varied levels of resistance towards different insecticides. Moderate or high levels of resistance to deltamethrin (58–86 fold), lambda-cyhalothrin (20–63 fold), and cypermethrin (22–54 fold) were observed in T. tabaci field populations. There were very low to moderate resistance levels to imidacloprid (10–38 fold), acetamiprid (5–29 fold), and abamectin (10–30 fold). The lowest levels of resistance were detected in thrips exposed to spinosad (3–13 fold) and spinetoram (3–8 fold). Insecticide resistance levels varied among populations collected from various geographic locations, but all populations exhibited elevated levels of resistance to deltamethrin. Thrips tabaci populations with higher resistance levels were most commonly found from the southern part of Punjab, Pakistan. Our findings revealed that spinosyns could be used as alternatives to conventional insecticides for the successful management of T. tabaci in onion fields.

Augmentative biological control has experienced a remarkable success, particularly in protected crops. Yet integrated pest management (IPM) still requires corrective treatments to manage some pests, which may result in detrimental effects on biological control agents (BCAs). Hence, the choice of selective pesticides is crucial for an effective pest management. A complementary approach is the genetic improvement of BCAs resistant to some key pesticides, allowing their joint use in IPM. The predator Orius laevigatus (Fieber) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) is widely introduced in protected crops to supress thrips and other small pests. Spinosad is a naturally derived biopesticide and a key compound in both conventional and organic crops. However, spinosad has been reported as slightly to moderately harmful to O. laevigatus. Here we explored and exploited the intra-specific variation in spinosad susceptibility in wild and commercial populations of O. laevigatus to select a spinosad-resistant strain. We found a 48.8-fold variation in susceptibility to spinosad among 35 populations, obtaining a lethal concentration (LC50) of 166.3 mg l−1 for the baseline. A spinosad-resistant strain (SPI38) was successfully obtained (LC50 = 2110.0 mg l−1). The resistance was stable for ten generations without selection pressure and was expressed in all life stages, particularly from the 3rd nymphal instar to adult. SPI38 showed cross-resistance to spinetoram and inhibitors of the detoxification enzymes were not able to restore susceptibility, which suggest a target-site resistance mechanism. The resistance achieved may be sufficient to allow survival of adults and nymphs of O. laevigatus exposed to field applications of spinosad across the cropping season.

Gravid traps that collect eggs or adult mosquitoes use color, size, or volume as well as water or plant infusions as attractants. Biorational larvicides have been used to prevent these devices from producing adult mosquitoes within the traps. Results from field assays on the use of several biorational larvicides for various mosquito species have provided mixed results in terms of increased, neutral, or reduced attraction. We investigated the use of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis, spinosad, and novaluron in field assays in Puerto Rico to evaluate the behavioral response of Aedes aegypti and Culex spp. to autocidal gravid ovitraps (AGO traps). The purpose of the study was to increase the safety of these traps by preventing accidental release of adult mosquitoes when traps are opened or damaged. We also investigated whether trap color (blue, green, terracotta) that may be more amenable for use by residents in their properties induced a similar attraction response to the original black trap color. We found that the use of biorational larvicides did not significantly change the behavioral attraction of these mosquito species to AGO traps. For Ae. aegypti, green traps yielded the lowest captures while black, terracotta, and blue produced similar higher yields. Culex spp. in black traps showed significantly higher captures compared with other colors. These results suggest that black, terracotta, or blue AGO traps can be used for the surveillance and control of Ae. aegypti.

Gram pod borer (H. armigera) and tobacco caterpillar (S. litura) causes huge economical losses in different crops, identifying a novel and safe biological origin insecticides for their management is always being an important approach. Actinobacteria has significance for their bioactive compounds production and diverse ecological functions. However, little was known for antilarval traits of actinobacteria inhabiting upper gangetic agro-climatic zone of India, so, a study was conducted to explore, isolate and characterize the antilarval actinobacteria. Morphological characters and 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that isolated actinobacteria strains were belonged to Streptomyces spp., Amycolatopsis spp., Nocardiopsis spp., Saccharopolyspora spp. genera, of which Streptomyces spp. was dominant genera. Streptomyces puniceus IIPR:TB01:01 and Streptomyces badius IIPR:KR04:01 strains (EtoAc extracts) exhibited 78% and 81% larval mortality against H. armigera and S. litura, respectively, were at par with insecticides (Emamectin benzoate 5G and Spinosad 45SC) treatments, indicating those are potential insecticidal strains. Juvenometric activity (extended larval duration and larval-pupal intermediates) of actinobacteria extract was noticed in H. armigera (up to 25 days) and S. litura (up to 28 days) compared to control (15–16 days). Potential actinobacteria strains also witnessed neurotoxic effect (blackening of larva) and lower survival probabilities in H. armigera and S. litura larvae. This study identified phenomena like neurotoxicity and juvenile hormone activity of actinobacterial extract against H. armigera and S. litura. The actinobacteria strains isolated in this study were new and their antilatval potential was not studied earlier, thus current findings advance the isolation and purification of antilarval compounds from aforesaid potential strains.

We evaluated the efficacy of four entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and their compatibility with the bioinsecticide spinosad for control of Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller) under laboratory conditions. Three EPF, including Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo-Criveili) Vuillemin isolates Z1 and Iran 1395C, Lecanicillium (= Verticillium) lecanii (Zimmerman) Zare & Gams, isolate Iran 229, and Purpureocillium (Paecilomyces) lilacinum (Thom) Luangs-ard, Hywel-Jones & Samson, isolate Iran 1026 were tested against third and fifth larval instars of Ephestia kuehniella using a filter paper bioassay. Mortality caused by the EPF ranged from 63.3-72.5% for third instars and 50-65.5% for fifth instars, with LT50 ranging from 8.4-10.5 d and 10.1-12.9 d, respectively. The effect of spinosad at LC10 (= 26.2 ppm) on EPF spore germination was evaluated and found to be negligible, ranging from 0% for B. bassiana Z1 to 5.7% for P. lilacinum. The LC50 values for spinosad against third and fifth instar E. kuehniella larvae were 452.5 and 1446 ppm, respectively. Subsequently, spinosad at LC10 was applied to third instar E. kuehniella larvae 24 h before application of the EPFs at LC50. The addition of spinosad to applications of L. lecanii and B. bassiana Z1 and Iran1395C isolates synergized their pathogenicity to E. kuehniella larvae, whereas the effect was merely additive for P. lilacinum. Our results suggest that these EPF isolates can be used effectively in combination with spinosad for management of E. kuehniella in stored products.

BACKGROUND Organic pest management eschews synthetic pesticides and insecticide resistance is rarely studied in organically managed systems. Spinosad is a biologically based insecticide used widely by both organic and conventional growers. Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, is infamous for its ability to evolve resistance to insecticides. Spinosad resistance was surveyed in conventionally managed fields in eastern New York in 2006. In response to grower reports of spinosad failure on two organic farms in 2009, resistance to spinosad was assayed in both conventionally and organically managed fields the following year, and growers were surveyed for their prior spinosad use. RESULTS In 2006, spinosad resistance measured as median lethal dose (LD50 ) varied 9.8-fold among the eight conventional fields sampled and a laboratory susceptible strain. In 2010, the resistance ratios of LD50 values relative to a laboratory susceptible strain ranged from 17.5 to 40.6 in conventionally managed fields, and from 128.7 to 5750.3 in organically managed fields, a dramatic increase from 2006 with higher resistance ratios in organically managed fields. Organic growers reported much heavier use of spinosad in the years prior to 2010. CONCLUSION This is the first report of high-level resistance to spinosad in Coleopterans. Selection strength due to number of years used and number of applications per season appear to have been the primary factors driving the evolution of resistance to spinosad, highlighting the need for resistance management in organic production, where fewer alternative active ingredients for resistance management are available. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

The invasive spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), is a key insect pest of berries globally, causing lost revenues and increased production costs associated with applications of insecticides. The insecticides utilized are commonly broad-spectrum pyrethroids, organophosphates, or carbamates in conventionally managed fields and spinosad in organically managed fields. Adoption of more selective insecticides has been limited due to their lower residual activity, and the requirement that some must be ingested to be effective. We investigated the use of feeding stimulants for D. suzukii as a method to improve longevity and efficacy in a range of insecticides. In laboratory bioassays, sugar increased the efficacy of all chemical classes tested; however, the inclusion of yeast only showed a benefit with malathion. Feeding stimulants had a limited effect in some cases under field conditions. Similarly, infestation in field plots and a semifield bioassay showed no significant decreases in infestation with the inclusion of feeding stimulants for the insecticides tested in these trials. We discuss the implications of these findings for managing D. suzukii in fruit crops to help ensure the harvest of marketable fruit.

The comparative efficacy of spinosad, lufenuron and hexythiazox on Spodoptera littoralis, thrips and aphidsunder laboratory and field conditions was carried out during this study. The toxicity and time-mortality relationship were investigated through testing a serious of prepared concentrations or recommended field rates. Data of mortality under laboratory conditions indicated that spinosad and lufenuron efficacy was highly similar in killing 90% of the tested instars while when compared at their corresponding LC50, spinosad showed 5.2 times lower in concentration than that of lufenuron after 72 h of treatment. Patterns of time-mortality showed generally that spinosad caused the highest mortality either with time or with concentrations followed by lufenuron taking time around 16 h to kill 50% of the tested 2nd instar. Results of field experiments showed that spinosad and lufenuron caused more than 50 % reduction in thrips and aphid numbers after 10 days of treatment This show that both spinosad and lufenuron have almost the same effect against cotton leafworm, thrips and aphids and can be used wisely in IPM programs for pest control of pests infesting strawberry.

This study aims to assess the risk of 49 pesticides and biopesticides recommended to be used on cucumbers in a field guide proposed by the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), on the consumer health and the environment. Three physico-chemical properties and 12 toxicological and ecotoxicological parameters found in PPDB and BPDB from the University of Hertfordshire-UK were analyzed. Our results showed that: (1) concerning the human health issues, 81.25% were possible teratogens and 31.25% were possible carcinogens and endocrine disruptors, (2) the insecticides chlorpyrifos and the pyrethroids such as deltamethrin, esfenvalerate and Lambda-cyhalothrin were found to bioaccumulate in tissues and were very persistent in soil and toxic to fishes and algae. In contrast, the bioinsecticides do not bioaccumulate, but they are toxic to fishes especially abamectin, milbemectin, azadirachtin A and sulfur, (3) concerning the beneficial arthropods, all the synthetic insecticides, as well as the avermectin chemical group and spinosad, were highly toxic to honeybees. All acaricides bioaccumulate but without a detectable toxicity to honeybees. Overall, biopesticides were not found to be less hazardous to human health and the environment than synthetic pesticides.

Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis is an economically important agricultural pest. It causes damage by feeding and oviposition or indirectly by plant virus transmission. Australian F. occidentalis are resistant to many insecticides including spinosad and the related chemical spinetoram. Spinetoram resistance to F. occidentalis has been recently reported in three different Australian States, however, mechanisms conferring that resistance have not been investigated. To identify the mechanisms underlying resistance to spinetoram in F. occidentalis, we sequenced the genomic region of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor Foα6 in number of spinosad and spinetoram resistant field-populations. We found that a single nucleotide substitution (G to A) in exon 9 of the α6 subunit was present in resistant strains (G275E) and absent from susceptible. By examining field populations we consider the G275E mutation is the major cause of resistance to spinetoram in Australian F. occidentalis. We developed a real-time PCR diagnostic assay to quickly identify resistant alleles in field-populations. The method was used to test spinetoram resistant F. occidentalis collected from Australian cotton during the 2018–2019. Results show thrips tested carried the G275E mutation and the resistance allele was unusually widely distributed. The wide distribution of G275E mutation was not expected because spinetoram is not extensively used in Australian cotton. We speculate resistance may relate to extensive chemical use in crops nearby such as horticulture where thrips are often targeted for control. Our molecular diagnostic assay can provide timely and precise resistance frequency information that can support sustainable chemical use including spinetoram based IPM.

The success of chemical control depends on toxicity of insecticides against insect pests. Camponotus sericeus is an important urban pest with the ability to cause substantial damage to wooden structures, but there is a lack of information on toxicity of insecticides against C. sericeus. To determine the insecticide toxicity, workers of C. sericeus were exposed to 17 insecticides from different classes: carbamate (methomyl, bendiocarb), organophosphate (chlorpyrifos, profenofos, temephos), pyrethroid (bifenthrin, deltamethrin, permethrin), neonicotinoid (acetamiprid, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam), avermectin (abamectin, emamectin), pyrrole (chlorfenapyr), phenylpyrazole (fipronil), and spinosyn (spinosad and spinetoram), via residual bioassay method. The LC50 ranged from: 0.15 to 0.20 µg/vial for carbamates, 0.09 to 0.27 µg/vial for organophosphates, 0.09 to 0.44 µg/vial for pyrethroids, 0.02 to 0.67 µg/vial for neonicotinoids, 0.54 to 0.82 µg/vial for avermectins, 0.78 µg/vial for pyrrole, 0.62 µg/vial for phenylpyrazole, and 1.96 to 2.05 µg/vial for spinosyns. Overall, acetamiprid was the most toxic one among the tested insecticides followed by permethrin, temephos, profenofos, bendiocarb and methomyl, while spinosad and spinetoram were the least toxic insecticides. Considering the potential toxicity of different insecticides against C. sericeus, future studies could investigate the practical application of these insecticides in order to design an effective management plan.

The mosquito Culex pipiens is the most widely distributed dipteran species in all regions of Egypt and the principal vector of Wuchereria bancrofti and certain arboviruses in human beings. For controlling C. pipiens vector, biological tools (e.g., larvivorous fish and bioinsecticides) are more potent and safer options to the environment, human beings, and beneficial organisms than chemical pesticides. The efficiency of O. niloticus juveniles as predatory fish species and two bioinsecticides, spinosad 24% and spinetoram 12%, was investigated against the C. pipiens developmental stages in the laboratory. The first trial evaluated the predatory efficacy of small-sized O. niloticus (2.1–2.6 cm; 250–315 mg) and large-sized O. niloticus (2.5–3.2 cm; 250–315 mg) against the 3rd larvae and pupae of C. pipiens. This is the first report in Egypt confirming the predation potential of O. niloticus as efficient predatory fish against the immature C. pipiens. Large-sized O. niloticus predated a greater number of 3rd of C. pipiens larvae and pupae than the small-sized ones. Furthermore, the daily consumption of C. pipiens larvae by small- and large-sized O. niloticus was significantly higher than the pupae. The second trial assessed the toxicity efficacy of spinosad 24% and spinetoram 12% against C. pipiens larvae and pupae. The results confirmed that the tested bioinsecticides showed higher potency toward C. pipiens larvae than pupae after exposure for 24 h and 48 h. Spinosad was more toxic toward 3rd C. pipiens larvae (LC50 = 0.013 and 0.003 mg/L) and pupae (LC50 = 320.69 and 44.28 mg/L) than spinetoram after 24 and 48 h. Herein, O. niloticus juveniles (as promising native predatory fish) and spinosyns bioinsecticides were more effective against C. pipiens in the larval stage than in the pupal stage. In conclusion, Nile tilapia juveniles and biorational compounds, spinosad 24% and spinetoram 12%, might be considered as promising and favorable environmental biological agents for controlling C. pipiens in Egypt. However, further trials are needed to investigate the potential of these agents in the control of this mosquito vector under field conditions.

The Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)) is known for its capacity to cause significant damages to potato crops worldwide. Multiple approaches have been considered to limit its spread including the use of a diverse arsenal of insecticides. Unfortunately, this insect frequently develops resistance towards these compounds. Investigating the molecular bases underlying the response of L. decemlineata against insecticides is of strong interest to ultimately devise novel and targeted approaches aimed at this pest. This work aimed to characterize, via qRT-PCR, the expression status of targets with relevance to insecticide response, including ones coding for cytochrome P450s, glutathione s-transferases, and cuticular proteins, in L. decemlineata exposed to four insecticides; chlorantraniliprole, clothianidin, imidacloprid, and spinosad. Modulation of levels associated with transcripts coding for selected cytochrome P450s was reported in insects treated with three of the four insecticides studied. Clothianidin treatment yielded the most variations in transcript levels, leading to significant changes in transcripts coding for CYP4c1, CYP4g15, CYP6a13, CYP9e2, GST, and GST-1-Like. Injection of dsRNA targeting CYP4c1 and CYP9e2 was associated with a substantial decrease in expression levels and was, in the case of the latter target, linked to a greater susceptibility of L. decemlineata towards this neonicotinoid, supporting a potential role for this target in clothianidin response. Overall, this data further highlights the differential expression of transcripts with potential relevance in insecticide response, as well as generating specific targets that warrant investigation as novel dsRNA-based approaches are developed against this insect pest.

Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) have been considered serious pests infesting a wide range of host plants around the world, which has also been the case for citrus trees in Tunisia, a South Mediterranean country. The present study was performed to refine our knowledge about density and damage of the most common, emerging thrips species on Navel oranges in northern Tunisia, and to evaluate the effectiveness of three insecticides in decreasing density of thrips and their induced damage. Populations of the three thrips species, Pezothrips kellyanus, Thrips major and Frankliniella occidentalis, on citrus flowers increased from March to June with F. occidentalis being the most common species found as larval and adult stages on either orange flowers or fruits. Two types of thrips blemishes on Navel orange were observed: ring-shaped silvery scaring, and marbling damage for which a positive and significant correlation was revealed with western flower thrips F. occidentalis. All tested insecticides (spinosad, acrinathrin and terpenoid) were effective in decreasing F. occidentalis population density on Navel orange trees, with both biopesticides spinosad and terpenoid being the most effective one day after treatment, while the chemical insecticide acrinathrin proved to be the most effective 7, 17 and 21 days after treatment. Furthermore, spinosad and terpenoid applications resulted in the lowest marbling damage percentage (4% and 6%, respectively) compared to acrinathrin (26%). The implications of the obtained findings for improving integrated pest management of thrips in Tunisian citrus orchards are highlighted and discussed herein.

Fall armyworm has invaded China and colonized its populations in tropical and sub-tropical regions of South China since December 2018. Chemical spray has been widely used to control the pest, which shall lead to resistance evolution. In this research, we collected five populations of the pest from Yunnan, Hainan, Tibet, and Fujian of China, and tested their susceptibilities to pyrethroid, organophosphorus, oxadiazine, diamide, antibiotics and other types of insecticides (14 insecticides totally) in the laboratory. Based on the susceptible baseline published from the previous studies, the resistance ratio was 615–1 068-fold to chlorpyrifos, 60–388-fold to spinosad, 26–317-fold to lambda-cyhalothrin, 13–29-fold to malathion, 9–33-fold to fenvalerate, 8–20-fold to deltamethrin, 3–8-fold to emamectin benzoate and 1–2-fold to chlorantraniliprole, respectively. The median lethal concentration (LC50) of other six insecticides without the susceptible baselines was 148.27–220.96 μg mL−1 for beta-cypermethrin, 87.03–128.43 μg mL−1 for chlorfenapyr, 16.35–99.67 μg mL−1 for indoxacarb, 10.55–51.01 μg mL−1 for phoxim, 7.08–8.78 μg mL−1 for M-EBI (the mixed insecticide of emamectin benzoate and indoxcarb) and 1.49–4.64 μg mL−1 for cyantraniliprole. This study can be helpful for chemical control as well as for resistance monitoring and management of the pest in China.

The oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), is one of the most globally important insect pests that have evolved resistance to various groups of insecticides. To clarify the relationships between a novel and widely used anthranilic diamide insecticide (cyantraniliprole) and other regular insecticides used to effectively control B. dorsalis, its cross-resistance and fitness costs to various insecticides were determined. Bioassays with cyantraniliprole-resistant and cyantraniliprole-susceptible strains indicated moderate levels of cross-resistance to both of the spinosyn compounds, Spinosad (1.59-fold) and Spinetoram (1.54-fold), the organophosphate (Trichlorphon, 0.66-fold), and beta-cypermethrin (2.41-fold), one of the pyrethroids compounds. Most of the tested biological parameters of B. dorsalis were negatively affected by cyantraniliprole resistance. Compared with the susceptible strain, prolonged larval duration, higher pupa weight, longer timing of sexual maturation, were observed in the cyantraniliprole-resistant strain. Pupa duration, oviposition, and male remating inhibition on the fifth day were significantly lower for the cyantraniliprole-resistant strain than those of the susceptible strain. Moreover, there was no fitness costs associated with resistance to cyantraniliprole. Morderate levels of cross-resistance were observed between cyantraniliprole and four other selected insecticides (Spinosad, Spinetoram, Trichlorphon, and Beta-cypermethrin). However, the lack of fitness costs in the cyantraniliprole-resistant strain of B. dorsalis could promote the rapid development of resistance to cyantraniliprole. Thus, the results obtained here were useful for the application and resistance management of cyantraniliprole against B. dorsalis.

Originario de América tropical, el guanábano (Annona muricata) tiene gran potencial y expectativa de producción en México. No obstante, presenta problemas de plagas que limitan su cultivo. Uno de estos es el picudo del fruto (Optatus palmaris), cuyo daño demerita la calidad y rendimiento. Se evaluaron los insecticidas y repelentes: spinosad, spinoteram, azadiractina, lambda-cialotrina, clorpirifos, imidacloprid y etofenprox. Se evalúo el porcentaje de mortalidad, consumo de fruta y se determinaron la CL50 y TL50. Una hora después de la aplicación se observó 89.2% y 85.7% (α< 0.05) de mortalidad con lambda-cialotrina y clorpirifos en concentración de 0.025 g ia L-1 y 2.4 g ia L-1, respectivamente. Spinosad y azadiractina no tuvieron efecto de mortalidad en concentraciones de 0.6 g ia L-1 y 32 g ia L-1, respectivamente (α< 0.05). A las 12 h después de la aplicación spinosad (0.6 g ia L-1), lambda-cialotrina (0.0012 g ia L-1) y clorpirifos (0.24 g ia L-1) ejercieron más de 95% de mortalidad (α< 0.05). El consumo de fruta fue menor con aplicación de lambda-cialotrina, 24.9% de fruta consumida (α< 0.05). El insecticida con mayor toxicidad fue imidacloprid con una CL50 de 0.06 g ia L-1 y TL50 de 0.3 h, le siguió el spinoteram con una CL50 de 0.96 g ia L-1 y un TL50 de 0.36 h. Azadiractina no ejerció mortalidad ni disminuyó el consumo de fruta comparado con el testigo absoluto en concentraciones de 0.32, 3.2 y 32 g ia L-1 (α< 0.05) por lo que no se recomienda el uso de este producto para el control de O. palmaris.

In response to apparent lack of efficacy of spinosad treatments of storm drain catch basins in Marathon, Florida, we investigated water quality parameters where drains had been treated with Natular® XRT extended release tablets. An analysis of water samples from these sites revealed that alkalinity and water hardness differed significantly between treated and untreated drains. However, when tested in a semi-field environment protected from runoff, differences in alkalinity were not associated with spinosad treatment, whereas water hardness increased over time in replicates treated with Natular XRT. Water quality may be a reason for poor larval control rather than product failure or resistance. Future work will investigate whether changes in water hardness associated with spinosad treatment may impact the efficacy of this larvicide at reducing adult emergence in field environments.

Influence of two dimensions of climate change i.e., elevated temperature (eTemp) and elevated CO2 (eCO2) on toxicity of insecticides against Spodoptera litura Fab. on peanut using CO2 Temperature Gradient Chambers (CTGC) facility was investigated. The insecticides viz., diamides (flubendiamide), avermectins (emamectin benzoate), organophosphates (quinalphos), spinosyns (spinosad) and synthetic pyrethroids (deltamethrin) were tested for their efficacy and persistence toxicity (PT) at eTemp and eCO2. The twelve set conditions comprising of reference (28 ± 0.5 °C; 380 ppm), eTemp (29, 30, 31, 32, 34 ± 0.5 oC with 380 ppm CO2), eCO2 (28 ± 0.5 oC; 550 ppm) and eTemp+eCO2 (29, 30, 31, 32, 34 ± 0.5 oc with 550 ppm CO2) were maintained in CTGC. Interactive effects of eCO2 and eTemp caused the higher LC50 values of spinosad and deltamethrin with negative temperature coefficients and showed the ‘reduction of toxicity’. Lower LC50 values and positive temperature coefficients for flubendiamide (6.67), emamectin benzoate (7.38) and quinalphos (3.04) were recorded, indicating the ‘higher toxicity’ at interactive eCO2 and eTemp. The order in PT of insecticides was deltamethrin

The beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) is a serious polyphagous pest that infests vegetable crops worldwide and has rapidly developed resistance due to its long-term exposure to insecticides. The current resistance statuses to four insecticides exhibited by three field populations of beet armyworms collected in southern China from 2014 to 2018 were investigated. Monitoring data from five consecutive years demonstrated that all three tested S. exigua populations developed extremely high resistance to chlorantraniliprole in 2018 (220.58- to 2,597.39-fold). Two populations (Baiyun and Fengxian) developed low to moderate resistance to spinosad, whereas the Huangpi population remained susceptible (except in 2014, with RR of 6.11-fold). The RR of the Fengxian and Baiyun populations to indoxacarb steadily increased over the years, whereas that of the Huangpi population increased relatively slowly. The Baiyun and Fengxian populations developed moderate to high resistance to indoxacarb and methoxyfenozide, whereas the Huangpi population exhibited susceptibility to low resistance (1.06- to 6.45-fold) to indoxacarb and susceptibility to moderate resistance (1.53- to 14.22-fold) to methoxyfenozide. These results suggest that chlorantraniliprole should not be employed to control this pest in southern China. Reduced use of indoxacarb and methoxyfenozide or the use of alternating insecticides with low levels of resistance is recommended. Spinosad remains an effective insecticide for the management of S. exigua. To avoid the rapid development of insecticide resistance, rotations of insecticides with low levels of resistance and different modes of action based on the resistance patterns of S. exigua should be performed in southern China.

The abuse of toxic organic solvents and surfactants has caused immeasurable damage to human health and the environment. Therefore, based on the concept of green chemistry, developing a new type of nano-based pesticide formulation that does not contain harmful additives is urgent for sustainable pest management. Herein, we report two natural small molecular substances, spinosad (SSD) and sulfamic acid (SA), that were self-assembled into SSD-SA nanoparticles (SSD-SA NPs) through noncovalent interactions without involving any organic solvents or carriers. The results showed that the optimized mass ratio of SA to SSD was 1 : 4 at pH 5 and 35 °C in aqueous solution for the formation of SSD-SA NPs. The core–shell structured nanospheres with particle sizes of around 7 nm had excellent physical and chemical properties, such as strong positive charges (+47.8 mV) and good surface activity. SSD-SA NPs exhibited good quick-acting performance against Plutella xylostella larvae and Frankliniella occidentalis, and the insecticidal activities of SSD-SA NPs were significantly higher than that of the commercial SSD suspension. The genotoxicity evaluation showed that the genotoxicity of SSD to Vicia faba was reduced by a combination of self-assembly technologies and thus SSD-SA NPs posed a low risk to plant cells. These small molecular self-assembled SSD-SA NPs developed by a simple and green preparation process would have great potential for application in sustainable pest management.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Walp.) is a major grain legume used as vegetables and pulses. Among the several insect pest of cowpea, spotted pod borer is one of the most destructive pest. To evaluate the available chemical pesticides for pod borer management, a set of field experiments on cowpea variety Malepatan-1 were conducted at Horticulture Research Station, Malepatan, Pokhara in years 2019 and 2020. The experiments were laid out in Completely Randomized Block Design (RCBD) having seven treatments viz.Flubendiamide 39.35 % SC @ 0.3 mL/L, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 % SC @ 0.2 mL/L, Emamectin benzoate 5 % SG @0.3 g/L, Spinosad 45 % SC @0.3 mL/L, Bacillus thuringiensis Kurstaki @2g/L, Azadirechtin 0.03%@ 5mL/L and Control with four replications. Flubendiamide 39.35 % SC @ 0.3 mL/L and Emamectin benzoate 5 % SG @0.3 g/L were found the most effective insecticides in lowering cowpea flower and pod damage with highest benefit cost ratio; however, considering environment, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 % SC @ 0.2 mL/L and Spinosad 45 % SC @0.3 mL/L being next effective treatments could be viable option to manage spotted pod borer in cowpea production.

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) is a popular and cosmopolitan cucurbit crop grown in all the districts of Telangana. Fruit fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae) is the major pest that attacks its fruits and causes a great loss to the bitter gourd farmers. An experiment was conducted for three years on bitter gourd var. Amansri, in randomized block design with four treatments and five replications including control to evaluate the efficacy of different pest management modules against pests of bitter gourd during 2016-19 at Vegetable Research Station, Rajendranagar, Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticulture University. Red pumpkin beetle and fruit fly were the major pests. For the management of red pumpkin beetles all the modules were effective compared to control. Among the tested modules, lowest fruit fly damage was recorded in the Integrated module (Seed treatment with thiamethoxam 70 WS 5-10 g/kg seed, removal of damaged cotyledonary leaves, spraying emamectin benzoate 25 WG @ 0.4 g/l, spraying of neem oil 3000 ppm @ 5 ml/l, Installation of cuelure traps 15/acre, spraying spinosad 45 SC @ 0.3 ml/l.) with high yield (16.00 t/ha) and highest benefit cost ratio (2.61).

The data on number of fruit flies trapped per week for a period of 7 weeks were taken at cucumber field var., Pusa Sanyog. It can be inferred from the data that irrespective of container, the mean number of trapped fruit flies was found to be significantly more in lure stored for 10 days (259.25 flies/trap/7 weeks) and was at par those stored for 15 days (184.75 flies/trap/7 weeks). Overall mean numbers of fruit flies trapped at other storage periods were found at par. The trap catch of males in parapheromone traps is affected by a large number of factors including the abiotic factors of the environment which indirectly alter the target insect i.e., fruit fly and behavior of the target pest. The maximum trap catch at 10 days storage period could be ascribed due to peak activity of the pest during this period. The critical examination of data indicated a consistent trapping between 127.5–142.5 flies/trap/7 weeks at 5, 20, 25 and 30 days storage period. Efficacy on different insecticide revealed that wooden pheromones lures containing spinosad as insecticide resulted in attracting maximum fruit fly population (88.65 flies/trap/weeks) followed by malathion (28.32 flies/trap/weeks) and Lambdacyhalothrin (8.67 flies/trap/weeks).

Microparticles containing the photosensitive spinosad (SP) were obtained using a combination of chitosan (CH) and sodium lignosulfonate (SL) as encapsulating materials to develop a photoprotective system for intake administration. The microparticles were obtained by a spray drying technique and were characterized in terms of morphology (scanning electron microscopy - SEM) and particle size. In vitro release studies showed an initial burst effect that fits very well with the zero order kinetic model and then a slow release of the bioinsecticide, which fits best with the first order model. The results of this work demonstrate that the bioinsecticide carrier system developed with natural polymeric materials presents high stability to photodegradation and adequate insecticide release for use as a strategy to reduce negative impacts on the environment in agronomic practices.

The field experiment on management of pomegranate fruit borer, Deudorix isocrate conducted during Hasta bahar 2016 and 2017 on number and weight basis at the Pomology Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani (Maharashtra). The results revealed that all the treatments were superior over control in minimizing infestation of fruit borer. The lowest % fruit infestation on number and weight basis was observed in spinosad 45 SC @ 73 g a.i./ha, chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 30 g a.i./ha and flubendamide 39.35 SC which were statistically superior over other treatments. Next superior treatments were cyantraniliprole 10.26 OD @ 75 g a.i./ha and emamectin benzoate 5 SG @ 11 g a.i./ha. Maximum fruit infestation was recorded in untreated control.

The present investigation was carried out to study the bio-efficacy of insecticides against thrips infesting bitter gourd during rabi-summer season of 2017-18 at Centre of Excellence for Mango, College of Agriculture, Dapoli, Dist. Ratnagiri (M.S). There were six insecticides tested against thrips infesting bitter gourd. The results regarding overall mean of three sprays against thrips infesting bitter gourd revealed that the treatment chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 0.005 per cent was the best treatment which recorded minimum (2.41) population of thrips and was at par with malathion 50 EC @ 0.05 per cent (2.84) and spinosad 45 SC @ 0.014 per cent (3.05). The next effective treatment was emamectin benzoate 5 SG @ 0.002 (3.53) which was at par with treatments azadirachtin 1 EC @ 0.003 per cent (3.65) and lambda cyhalothrin 5 EC @ 0.0025 per cent (3.75). All the treatments were significantly superior over untreated control. The maximum (6.78) thrips population was observed in the untreated control.

Background and Objectives: Aedes mosquito has been recognized as a global emerging threat with its potential to transmit fatal diseases of international public health importance such as dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Prior attempts to manage the vector with various synthetic larvicides have resulted in emergence of resistance, thus necessitating search for a safer and effective alternative. The study was an experimental laboratory-based study to screen the recent World Health Organization (WHO)-approved insecticide spinosad for larvicidal activity and compare the efficacy of the same with other currently used larvicides, namely temephos and Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti). Methodology: An experimental setup was done as per the WHO Pesticide Evaluation Scheme to assess the larvicidal activity of the spinosad at varying concentrations along with a positive and negative control. A preliminary screening to assess the larvicidal property of the spinosad was undertaken with 0.5 ppm concentration as recommended by the WHO. The mortality was checked after 24 h and results were statistically analyzed and LC50 and LC90 values were calculated. Results: Spinosad brought about 100% larval mortality at the recommended dosage (0.5 ppm) as well as at a lower dosage of 0.1 ppm. The comparison with the other two commonly used larvicides, namely temephos and Bti, reveals 100% and 90% mortality, respectively, in wild Aedes larvae. Conclusion: The study concludes that spinosad is a promising larvicide that can be used in rotation with temephos against Aedes aegypti in potable water and may be used at a lower dosage of 0.1 ppm. However, large-scale field trials are required to ascertain the effectiveness of the larvicide in field conditions.