Insecticidal, Behavioral and Biological Effects of Chlorantraniliprole and Chlorfluazuron on Cotton Leafworm ( Spodoptera littoralis ).

Background and Objective: The cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is the most destructive pests and causing a great loss for several vegetables and field crops. So, the present study was aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of chlorantraniliprole and chlorfluazuron on certain behavioral and biological aspects of S. littoralis at different stages.
Materials and Methods: Under laboratory conditions, the toxicity of chlorantraniliprole and chlorfluazuron against the egg masses, 2nd and 4th larval instars of S. littoralis were evaluated. The impact of tested insecticides on the feeding, oviposition of females and biological aspects of S. littoralis was also carried out.
Results: Overall, chlorfluazuron was more toxic than chlorantraniliprole. According to repellency index (RI %), tested insecticides have a repulsive effect for the feeding of 2nd and 4th larval instars as well as for oviposition of females. Sublethal concentrations significantly reduced larval and pupal weight, adult survival, percent of pupation and adult emergence, female fecundity, fertility percentage, weight and protein content of ovaries. While, larval and pupal durations were increased.
Conclusion: It was concluded that chlorantraniliprole and chlorfluazuron have insecticidal, behavioral and biological effects on S. littoralis stages and may be used as alternatives to conventional insecticides in IPM programs.