Comparative evaluation of selected neonicotinoids and conventional insecticide against aphids (Aphis gossypii) and whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci)

Abstract

Polyphagous sucking insect pests like aphids (Aphis gossypii) and whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) causes major problem in fibre crops, oilseed crops, pulses and vegetables. These sucking insect pests cause serious economic losses directly and indirectly by acting as vectors in transmitting several viral diseases in cultivated crops. Neonicotinoids viz., imidacloprid 17.6 SL @ 0.28 ml, acetamiprid 20SP @ 0.1 g, thiacloprid 21.7SC @ 0.28 mL, thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 0.2 g and clothianidin 50 WDG @0.08 g along with monocrotophos 36 SL @ 1 ml per litre water and control (water alone) were tested against nymphs and adults of A. gossypii and B. tabaci following methods recommended by Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC). Among different treatment tested on A. gossypii, imidacloprid was found to be superior with 100% mortality on both nymphs and adults at 72h aftertreatment. When these treatments were tested against B. tabaci, acetamiprid was found to be superior to other neonicotinoids and monocrotophos, resulting in 100% mortality of nymphs and adults at 72h after treatment. Outcome of the studies suggest that neonicotinoids are significantly superior to monocrotophos for management of sucking insect pests. Imidacloprid and acetamiprid, that are systemic, selective with less mammalian toxicity are comparatively safer than conventional insecticide like monocrotophos and hence may be included in IPM practices to manage polyphagous sucking insect pests like aphids and whiteflies in different crop ecosystems.