Biology and Medicine

Abstract

Efficacy of certain insecticides against Choreodocus illustris Walker (Orthoptera: Acrididae) under laboratory conditions

*Haris SM, Khan AM

Published literature shows that the numbers of known insect species causing damage to crops are about 1,000 out of which 70 species are assumed to be responsible for maximum losses. It has been estimated that these crop losses in India are up to the tune of nearly Rs. 600 crores / year. Therefore, some methods should be evolved to combat these losses and those proving to be the effective control measures against insect pests to save the crops, in the field as well as under the storage condition, must be propagated. Keeping this view in mind, the present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of insecticidal action against Choreodocus illustris (adults). Insecticides such as Malathion, Cypermethrin, Endosulfan and Monocrotophos were selected in the present study and their predetermined concentrations of 0.005%, 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.25%, 0.5% and 1.0% (v/v) were applied on C. illustris in laboratory conditions. Maize leaves were dipped in these insecticides and then the insects were allowed to feed on them. Our results showed highest mortality (86%) of C. illustris (adults) at 1.0% concentration of Monocrotophos and this mortality profile declines with decreased concentration of the insecticide. No mortality of C. illustris (adults) was recorded due to the application of Malathion.