Sublethal effects of larval exposure to indoxacarb on reproductive activities of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

Sublethal effects of larval exposure to indoxacarb on reproductive activities of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) were studied. The third instar male and female larvae of the diamondback moth were fed with collard leaves dipped with a lethal dose of 20% mortality of indoxacarb in order to determine its impact on reproductive activities of adult survivors. Females from indoxacarb treatment had similar peak calling percentage (100%) and mean calling hours (5.83 ± 0.47 h) compared to control females (92% of peak calling, 5.05 ± 0.55 h of mean calling hours) at the first scotophase, but had slightly lower peak calling percentages and shorter calling hours at the subsequent scotophases. The sex pheromone blend or single component from the blend for P. xylostella elicited similar electroantennography responses compared with those from control males and indoxacarb-treated male survivors. Indoxacarb did not alter the number of eggs produced per female and female longevity. However, larval treatment of males with indoxacarb showed a decreased copulation success rate, and this effect was not observed in identically treated female survivors.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella has resistance to insecticides. ► We examined sublethal effects of indoxacarb on DBM in behavior and electrophysiology. ► The dose of 20% mortality did not cause different electroantennography responses. ► Indoxacarb decreased copulation success rate of males. ► Indoxacarb did not alter the number of eggs per female and its longevity.