Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
4507157 Crop Protection 2011 6 Pages PDF
Abstract

Four neem-based insecticides, Neemix® (0.25% EC @ 20 mg azadirachtin/liter), Ecozin® (3% EC @ 20 mg azadirachtin/liter), Agroneem® (0.15% EC @ 4.8 mg azadirachtin/liter) and Neem oil (0.25% EC azadirachtin @ 20 mg azadirachtin/liter) and a non-commercial neem leaf powder, were evaluated for oviposition deterrence, antifeedant effect to larvae and toxicity to eggs and larvae of Pieris brassicae (Linn.) on cabbage leaves in the laboratory. The concentrations tested were with in the ranges of recommended field rates. Oviposition deterrence in no-choice, two-choice and six-choice assays, was observed for all the treatments. They exhibited significant (P < 0.01) oviposition deterrence on P. brassicae when compared with a non-treated control. Cabbage leaves treated with the neem-based insecticides were used as an egg-laying substrate. Numbers of eggs oviposited by P. brassicae adults on treated cabbage leaves were significantly lower then those treated with water, but no significant differences were detected among the neem insecticides. They also deterred feeding by Pieris larvae and exhibited significant antifeedant effects. Larvae of P. brassicae on treated leaves stopped feeding and dropped from the leaf, resulting in no or minimal damage. Direct contact with neem-based insecticides decreased the survival of eggs. Survival of larvae fed for 9 days on leaves treated with neem-based insecticides was reduced to 51%, 49%, 48%, 24% and 18% in the Neem oil, Neemix, Agroneem, Ecozin and neem leaf powder treatments, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded from the present investigations that neem-based insecticides had oviposition deterrence, antifeedant and toxic effect to P. brassicae.

Research highlights► This paper mainly investigated effect of four neem-based formulation on oviposition, feeding and direct contact on eggs and larvae of Pieris brassicae (Linn.) on cabbage leaves in the laboratory. ► The proportion of eggs laid on the cabbage leaves to total eggs oviposited among neem treatments were not significantly different. ► More leaf area was consumed by each larval instar in the control than in the neem-based treatments. ► Egg and larval mortality among all four neem-based insecticides were not significantly different.

Related Topics
Life Sciences Agricultural and Biological Sciences Agronomy and Crop Science
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