Evaluation of Flubendiamide Against the Lepidopteran Predators of the Lac Insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr)

Abstract

Flubendiamide is an insecticide of new chemical class with a novel chemistry and new mode of action by targeting and disrupting the Ca2+ balance. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the bio-efficacy of flubendiamide for the safety to lac insect and efficacy against associated insect-predators and parasitoids in lac culture. Spraying of eight concentrations of flubendiamide ranging from 0.0039 % (0.1 mL L−1) to 0.0315 % (0.8 mL L−1) under field condition against first and second instar larvae of Kerria lacca (Kerr) clearly revealed the safety of flubendiamide against lac insect and significant reduction in the population of both key lepidopteran predators, Eublemma amabilis (Noctuidae) and Pseudohypatopa pulverea (Blastobasidae). The reduction in population due to different treatments of flubendiamide ranged from 88 to 100 % in case of E. amabilis and 91 to 100 % in case of P. pulverea. Laboratory evaluation of flubendiamide on eggs of E. amabilis revealed 89.3–90.3 % hatching inhibition in different treatments. This compound can be effectively incorporated in IPM programme for the management of lepidopteran predators of lac insect without harmful effect on the host insect.