Comparative Toxicant Efficacy of Some Novel Insecticides against Metamorphosis of Papilio demoleus (L.) Larvae

Abstract

The Papilio demoleus is a key pest of citrus orchards found throughout the year. Their infestation causes defoliation, retards growth, and yields reduction. The five insecticides namely; Emamectin Benzoate 1.9 EC, Belt 480g/L SC (Flubendiamide), Helmet 40 EC (Chlorpyrifos), Coragen (Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC), and Regent 5% SC (Fipronil) were tested on C. limon orchard leaves against the larvae population of the lemon butterfly under laboratory conditions during, 2020. The maximum cumulative effect of all treatments was observed in three replications. The mortality of larvae and efficacy of insecticides were recorded after 24, 48, 72, 120, and 168 hours of post-sprays. The result revealed that Belt pesticide proved with maximum larval mortality (66.64±8.16%) followed by Regent (60.26±0.76), Coragen (59.66±7.72), Helmet (57.14±7.65), Emamectin and (56.18±7.50), respectively. It is concluded that the Belt insecticide provided better mortality % against the larval population. The one-way ANOVA showed significant difference among all tested insecticides at p<0.05 level. After insecticide application larvae reduced movement, skin became wrinkled, thin, and yellow-brown pigmentation visibly appeared with loose muscle concentration by releasing hyper-salivation and semi-liquid frass. Thus; it is recommended to be applied at time interval basis to suppress the population of lemon butterflies