LABORATORY AND FIELD EVALUATION OF A CYPERMETHRIN-BASED INSECTICIDE FOR THE CONTROL OF ALPHITOBIUS DIAPERINUS PANZER (COLEOPTERA: TENEBRIONIDAE) AND ITS IN-VITRO EFFECTS ON BEAUVERIA BASSIANA BALS. VUILL. (HYPOCREALES: CORDYCIPITACEAE)

Dgp Oliveira,Ap Mamprim,Lf Angeli,Rr Cardoso

doi:10.1590/1806-9061-2015-0115

Abstract

The control of Alphitobius diaperinus is based mainly on chemical insecticides, and the indiscriminate and incorrect use of these products has led to failures in insect control. Thus, it is important to monitor the efficiency of the products available on the market and to develop alternative insect control strategies. The present study evaluated the effect of a new product (cypermethrin-6%) under laboratory and field conditions and assessed its in-vitro compatibility with the fungus Beauveria bassiana (Unioeste 4 isolate). Its efficiency in dry powder and wettable powder formulations was also assessed in the laboratory through comparison with a similar insecticide (cypermethrin-5%) at five different concentrations. The field assays were conducted in two commercial broiler breeder houses (Treated and Control), applying the new product on the litter at the manufacturer's recommended concentration (RC). Germination, vegetative growth, conidial production, number of colony forming units (CFUs) and insecticidal activity of the fungus were used to evaluate the compatibility of the insecticide. The effects of the cypermethrin-6% product and cypermethrin-5% were equivalent in the laboratory, and the new product exhibited better performance at lower concentrations (1/4RC, ⅛RC). The strategy applied in the field reduced the insect population in up to 96% after 75 days. Additionally, all concentrations of cypermethrin-6% were compatible with the fungus under the evaluated in-vitro conditions. Therefore, the new product is considered selective for B. bassiana. Further studies are necessary to assess its compatibility under field conditions, consolidating this strategy as a viable alternative for managing this pest.

Highlights

The lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), is a secondary pest of stored grains
The efficacy of the cypermethrin-6% product in the DP formulation was similar among the different concentrations studied, and the maximal effect on insect mortality was observed even at a concentration eight times lower than that recommended by the manufacturer
Todorova et al (1998) emphasized that studies evaluating the efficiency and selectivity of chemical products are crucial for the development of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs

Summary

Introduction

The lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), is a secondary pest of stored grains. The introduction of A. diaperinus in poultry houses most likely occur through feed, and it quickly adapted to this environment due to the abundance of shelter and food (Pacheco & Paula, 1995; Lopes et al, 2006). When A. diaperinus is present in poultry houses, the birds feed on the larvae and adults and cease to consume a balanced diet, reducing feed efficiency (Chernaki-Leffer et al, 2001; Japp et al, 2010). A. diaperinus has a high reproduction rate and feeds on poultry feed, droppings and dead birds when it becomes established in poultry houses. The adults display cryptic habits, making pest control difficult and causing economic losses to poultry farmers (Silva et al, 2001, 2005; Bicho et al, 2005; Lopes et al, 2007)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion