ASSESSING THE EFFICACY OF ECO-FRIENDLY INSECTICIDES AGAINST THE SPODOPTERA LITURA (TOBACCO CUTWORM) POPULATION

Abstract

In the investigation conducted, the assessment of environmentally friendly insecticides, including Abamectin, Spinosad, Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs), and Bacillus thuringiensis, was undertaken with a focus on evaluating their efficacy and toxicity in controlling the tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura. The study aimed to provide insights into the ecological compatibility of these insecticides within the context of controlling the target pest. Among the various treatment applications, Diflubenzuron + Deltamethrin exhibited the highest efficacy in causing mortality among the larvae of the cutworm and Abamectin demonstrated significant approachability, resulting in mortality rates of 91.35% and 91.23%, respectively. The untreated control group exhibited the highest growth rate, while treatment with Diflubenzuron + Deltamethrin yielded the lowest growth rate at 2.03. Bacillus thuringiensis treatment demonstrated significant impacts on both larval-pupal transition and survival rates, registering values of 1.34 and 0.43, respectively. This indicates a notable influence on the developmental stages and overall survival of Spodoptera litura larvae. The findings of this study underscore the potential of eco-compatible pesticides, with Diflubenzuron + Deltamethrin, Abamectin, and Bacillus thuringiensis presenting distinct outcomes in the control of Spodoptera litura. The observed effects on mortality, growth rates, and developmental transitions provide valuable insights into the practical applicability of these environmentally friendly insecticides in managing pest populations in an ecologically sustainable manner.