Susceptibility of armywormSpodoptera litura(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to novel insecticides in Pakistan

Abstract

AbstractThe armywormSpodoptera litura(Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a serious pest of cotton (Gossypium hirsutumLinnaeus; Malvaceae), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacumLinnaeus; Solanaceae), and vegetables. Frequent application of various insecticides applied for its control has resulted in the development of a multiple resistance against commonly used insecticides. In the current study, field populations ofS. liturawere monitored in Pakistan for their susceptibility to diverse chemical classes, namely insect growth regulators (chlorfluazuron, lufenuron, flufenoxuron, triflumuron, methoxyfenozide), diamides (chlorantraniliprole, flubendiamide), spinosyns (spinosad, spinetoram), avermectins (abamectin, emamectin benzoate), indoxacarb, and thiocyclam by using a diet overlay bioassay during 2008–2013. Generally, no or a very low resistance was recorded to chlorfluazuron, lufenuron, triflumuron, methoxyfenozide, chlorantraniliprole, flubendiamide, spinosad, spinetoram, emamectin benzoate, indoxacarb, and thiocyclam. Resistance to flufenoxuron and abamectin was low to moderate in some populations ofS. litura. The insecticides, showing no, very low, or low resistance can be used in rotation, along with other integrated pest management practices, to mitigate resistance to conventional as well as new chemistry insecticides inS. litura.