Beta-cyfluthrin-Induced Alterations in the Total and Differential Haemocytes Count in the Red Cotton Bug, Dysdercus koenigii (Fabricius,1775)

Abstract

Dysdercus koenigii is a major global pest of cotton that causes severe economic loss. Among several control measures, pyrethroids are frequently used toxicants because of high efficacy at low dosages and relative safety. Since haemocytes are biomarkers of the physiological response and immunity of insect which determine the insecticide efficacy, the current study assessed the effect of a pyrethroid, β-cyfluthrin, on the total and differential haemocyte counts of D. koenigii. Haemolymph was collected from the fifth instars after the topical application of β-cyfluthrin (0.8, 1.6, 3.2, 6.4 and 12.8 mg/L) on the thoracic tergum. The haemolymph of control nymphs revealed 5270 haemocytes/mm3 which decreased instantly by 1.4-3.1-fold on β-cyfluthrin exposure; more reduction observed at lower dosages. Increase in exposure duration and β-cyfluthrin dosages fluctuated the count considerably, eventually raising them at lower dosages and diminishing at higher dosages. Among five kinds of haemocytes recorded in the haemolymph, the β-cyfluthrin exposure increased %prohaemocytes count; diminished %granulocytes and %plasmatocytes count while spherulocyte and oenocyte counts were inconsistent. The alterations in haemocyte counts indicate the immunity response trigger in D. koenigii due to β-cyfluthrin-induced stress. Further investigations may decipher the mechanisms involved and help to formulate the strategies for its management in fields.