Abstract
Insects' ethology is an important factor when it is desired to carry out pest management. This knowledge makes it possible to manipulate behavioral activities, repel, or attract insects according to needs and interests. The maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais (Mots., 1855) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), one of the main stored grain pests, has been the target of studies of behavioral changes studies through natural substances due to its resistance to different insecticidal classes. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of sublethal concentrations of neem extract and copaiba oil on the locomotor behavior of S. zeamais. The behavioral characteristic considered were walking activity, the frequency of contact of insects with the treated grain mass, and the time spent for this behavior. The walking activity of the S. zeamais increased with exposure to Neem extract and Copaiba oil. In general, the Neem extract and Copaiba oil-induced more contact with grain mass than the control, suggesting an attractive effect on the insect, however more significant for the Neem oil. The insect's behavior was altered, presenting a specific path due to Copaiba oil and Neem extract stimuli. These results indicate that Copaiba oil and Neem extract can be a potential alternative for controlling S. zeamais on stored products since changes in this pests' behavior can reduce qualitative and quantitative grain damage. Thus, the development of products based on Copaiba oil and Neem extract may be helpful for storage pest management.
Highlights
IntroductionThe success of insects stems from their ability to interpret stimuli in their surroundings (Gullan and Cranston, 2017)
It is possible to strategize to manipulate behavioral activities, repellency, or attract insects. This sensitive capacity can be linked to their failure in pest management since artificial stimuli can modify their behaviors aiming at agronomic interests
Studies are needed on the behavioral reactions of insects to sublethal doses of insecticides since the effectiveness of pesticides may be reduced by the pesticide avoidance behavior of insects
Summary
The success of insects stems from their ability to interpret stimuli in their surroundings (Gullan and Cranston, 2017) Through this knowledge, it is possible to strategize to manipulate behavioral activities, repellency, or attract insects. It is possible to strategize to manipulate behavioral activities, repellency, or attract insects This sensitive capacity can be linked to their failure in pest management since artificial stimuli can modify their behaviors aiming at agronomic interests. In this context, sublethal doses have satisfactory effects; Lee (2000) states that most insect pests show reduced fertility and longevity and interruption in activity-centered behavior when in contact with sublethal insecticide doses. Its infestation process can begin in the field, before the grain is harvested, and facilitate cross-infestation in storage units (Ajibola Taylor, 1971; Likhayo and Hodges, 2000)
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