Conservation of Natural Enemies in Cotton Ecosystem with Pre-Dosing of Lufenuron Prior to the Use of Traditional Insecticides

Abstract

Studies were carried out on conservation of natural enemies in cotton ecosystem by studying deleterious effect of chemical pesticide, pre-dosing with insect growth regulator. Insect growth regulator, lufenuron @ 24, 50, 255 and 290ppm was used before the application of chlorpyriphos against cotton bollworms particularly, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner). In all the experiments, lufenuron (Match 5EC) proved safe to eggs and adults of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) at all the dosages, which helped in the conservation of natural fauna. The use of insect growth regulator is thus suggested prior to the use of chlorpyriphos in cotton against cotton pests as conservation practice.