Evaluation of semiochemical toxicity to houseflies and stable flies (Diptera: Muscidae)

BACKGROUND: The housefly, Musca domestica L., and stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) are cosmopolitan pests of both farm and home environments. Houseflies have been shown to be resistant to a variety of insecticides, and new chemistries are slow to emerge on the market. Toxicities of selected semiochemicals with molecular structures indicative of insecticidal activity were determined against adults from an insecticide‐susceptible laboratory strain of houseflies. The three most active semiochemicals were also evaluated against recently colonized housefly and stable fly strains. RESULTS: Nineteen semiochemicals classified as aliphatic alcohols, terpenoids, ketones and carboxylic esters showed toxicity to houseflies and stable flies. Rosalva (LC₅₀ = 25.98 µg cm^?2) followed by geranyl acetone and citronellol (LC₅₀ = 49.97 and 50.02 µg cm^?2) were identified as the most toxic compounds to houseflies. Permethrin was up to 144‐fold more toxic than rosalva on the susceptible strain. However, it was only 35‐fold more toxic to the insecticide‐tolerant field strain. The compounds generated high toxicity to stable flies, with LC₅₀ values ranging from 16.30 to 40.41 µg cm^?2. CONCLUSION: Quantification of LC₅₀ values of rosalva, citronellol and geranyl acetone against susceptible housefly and field‐collected housefly and stable fly strains showed that semiochemicals could serve as potent insecticides for fly control programs. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Laboratory and field evaluation of spinosad against the gypsy moth,Lymantria dispar

The toxicity of the naturally derived insecticide spinosad was tested against the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar. Bioassays using red oak leaf disks, treated with spinosad in a Potter spray tower, yielded an LC₅₀ value of 0.0015 µg AI cm⁻² (3‐day exposure; 13‐day evaluation; 2nd instar larvae). Applied to foliage to run‐off in the laboratory (potted red oak seedlings) and the field (4 m‐tall birch trees), spinosad effectively controlled 2nd instar larvae at concentrations ranging from 3 to 50 mg litre⁻¹. Toxicity in the laboratory, and efficacy and persistence in the field, were comparable to those achieved with the insecticide permethrin. Laboratory studies supported field observations that control was achieved in part by knockdown due to paralysis. In addition, laboratory results demonstrated that crawling contact activity may play an important role in field efficacy; 50% of treated larvae were paralyzed 16 h after a 2‐min crawling exposure to glass coated with a 4 mg litre⁻¹ spinosad solution. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Contact and fumigant toxicity of Armoracia rusticana essential oil, allyl isothiocyanate and related compounds to Dermatophagoides farinae

BACKGROUND: The toxicity to adult Dermatophagoides farinae of allyl isothiocyanate identified in horseradish, Armoracia rusticana, oil and another 27 organic isothiocyanates was evaluated using contact + fumigant and vapour‐phase mortality bioassays. Results were compared with those of two conventional acaricides, benzyl benzoate and dibutyl phthalate. RESULTS: Horseradish oil (24 h LC₅₀, 1.54 µg cm^?2) and allyl isothiocyanate (2.52 µg cm^?2) were highly toxic. Benzyl isothiocyanate (LC₅₀, 0.62 µg cm^?2) was the most toxic compound, followed by 4‐chlorophenyl, 3‐bromophenyl, 3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, cyclohexyl, 2‐chlorophenyl, 4‐bromophenyl and 2‐bromophenyl isothiocyanates (0.93–1.41 µg cm^?2). All were more effective than either benzyl benzoate (LC₅₀, 4.58 µg cm^?2) or dibutyl phthalate (24.49 µg cm^?2). The structure‐activity relationship indicates that types of functional group and chemical structure appear to play a role in determining the isothiocyanate toxicities to adult D. farinae. In the vapour‐phase mortality bioassay, these isothiocyanates were consistently more toxic in closed versus open containers, indicating that their mode of delivery was, in part, a result of vapour action. CONCLUSION: In the light of global efforts to reduce the level of highly toxic synthetic acaricides in indoor environments, the horseradish oil‐derived compounds and the isothiocyanates described herein merit further study as potential acaricides for the control of house dust mite populations as fumigants with contact action. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Evaluation of semiochemical toxicity to Aedes aegypti,Ae. albopictus and Anopheles quadrimaculatus (Diptera: Culicidae)

BACKGROUND: Mosquitoes are the most important vectors of human pathogens. Wide‐scale use of pesticides has led to the development of resistance to most common insecticide groups. The need to develop novel products that have a low impact on human health and the environment is well established. The toxicity of selected semiochemicals with molecular structures indicative of insecticidal activity was determined against adult Aedes aegypti (L.) and Anopheles quadrimaculatus (Say). The two most active insecticides against Ae. aegypti were also evaluated against Ae. albopictus (Skuse). RESULTS: Fifteen semiochemicals classified as terpenoid alcohols, ketones or carboxylic esters showed toxicity to both mosquito species. Geranyl acetone (LC₅₀ = 38.51 µg cm^?2) followed by citronellol (LC₅₀ = 48.55 µg cm^?2) were the most toxic compounds to Ae. aegypti, while geraniol and lavonax, with LC₅₀ values of 31.88 and 43.40 µg cm^?2, showed the highest toxicity to An. quadrimaculatus. Both geranyl acetone and citronellol were highly toxic to Ae. albopioctus. No semiochemical showed fumigation activity against either species. All semiochemicals persisted for less than 24 h when tested on filter paper. CONCLUSION: Quantification of LC₅₀ values of several semiochemicals against Ae. Aegypti, An. quadrimaculatus and Ae. albopioctus showed that semiochemicals not only modify insect behaviors but also hold potential as potent insecticides for mosquito control programs. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Fumigant toxicity of lemon eucalyptus oil constituents to acaricide-susceptible and acaricide-resistant Tetranychus urticae

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed at assessing the fumigant toxicity of 14 essential oil constituents from lemon eucalyptus, Eucalyptus citriodora Hook, and another ten known compounds to females of acaricide‐susceptible, chlorfenapyr‐resistant, fenpropathrin‐resistant, pyridaben‐resistant and abamectin‐resistant strains of Tetranychus urticae Koch. RESULTS: Menthol (LC₅₀, 12.9 µg cm^?3) was the most toxic compound, followed by citronellyl acetate (16.8 µg cm^?3), against the susceptible females. High toxicity was also produced by β‐citronellol, citral, geranyl acetate and eugenol (LC₅₀, 21.7–24.6 µg cm^?3). The fumigant toxicity of these compounds was almost identical against females from either of the susceptible and resistant strains, indicating that the compounds and acaricides do not share a common mode of action or elicit cross‐resistance. CONCLUSION: Global efforts to reduce the level of highly toxic synthetic acaricides in the agricultural environment justify further studies on materials derived from lemon eucalyptus oil, particularly menthol and citronellyl acetate, as potential acaricides for the control of acaricide‐resistant T. urticae as fumigants with contact action. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Composition and biological activity of essential oils from Labiatae against Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) soybean pest

BACKGROUND: Plant essential oils have been recognised as an important natural source of insecticide. This study analysed the chemical constituents and bioactivity of essential oils that were isolated via hydrodistillation from Origanum vulgare L. (oregano) and Thymus vulgaris L. (thyme) against eggs, second instar and adults of Nezara viridula (L.). RESULTS: The major component of oregano was p‐cymene, and, for thyme, thymol. The ovicidal activity was tested by topical application; the essential oil from thyme was more effective. The fumigant activity was evaluated in an enclosed chamber; the LC₅₀ values for oregano were 26.8 and 285.6 µg mL^?1 for nymphs and adults respectively; for thyme they were 8.9 µg mL^?1 for nymphs and 219.2 µg mL^?1 for adults. To evaluate contact activity, a glass vial bioassay was used; the LC₅₀ values for oregano were 1.7 and 169.2 µg cm^?2 for nymphs and adults respectively; for thyme they were 3.5 and 48.8 µg cm^?2 respectively. The LT₅₀ analyses for contact and fumigant bioassays indicated that thyme was more toxic for nymphs and adults than oregano. Both oils produced repellency on nymphs and adults. CONCLUSION: These results showed that the essential oils from O. vulgare and T. vulgaris could be applicable to the management of N. viridula. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Acute toxicity of chlorantraniliprole to non‐target crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) associated with rice–crayfish cropping systems

BACKGROUND: Chlorantraniliprole, a novel anthranilic diamide insecticide, was recently introduced into the United States where rice–crayfish crop rotations are practiced to control rice water weevil (Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel) infestations. Chlorantraniliprole has high margins of mammalian safety and excellent insecticidal efficacy, but its toxicity to non‐target crayfish is uncertain. In this study, the acute toxicity of chlorantraniliprole to the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii Girard was determined using aquatic and feeding assays. RESULTS: The aquatic 96 h median lethal toxicity (LC₅₀) data indicate that technical‐grade chlorantraniliprole is highly toxic (US EPA category) to crayfish with an LC₅₀ of 951 µg L^?1 (95% CL = 741–1118 µg L^?1). A no observed effect concentration (NOEC) of 480 µg L^?1 was recorded. Neither the 36 day chronic feeding study, where crayfish fed on chlorantraniliprole‐treated rice seed in aquaria, nor the 144 h acute feeding test, where crayfish fed on rice seeds treated with chlorantraniliprole, produced mortality or abnormal behavior. CONCLUSION: Chlorantraniliprole is three orders of magnitude less acutely toxic to P. clarkii than lambda‐cyhalothrin and etofenprox, two pyrethroid insecticides also used in rice, and is less likely to cause acute crayfish toxicity in rice pond ecosystems. Based on acute toxicity data, the use of chlorantraniliprole should be more compatible with rice–crayfish crop rotations than pyrethroids. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Acaricidal activities of the active component of Lycopus lucidus oil and its derivatives against house dust and stored food mites (Arachnida: Acari)

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have focused on materials derived from plant extracts as mite control products against house dust and stored food mites because repeated use of synthetic acaricides had led to resistance and unwanted activities on non‐target organisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acaricidal activity of materials derived from Lycopus lucidus against Dermatophagoides farinae, D. pteronyssinus and Tyrophagus putrescentiae. RESULTS: The LD₅₀ values of L. lucidus oil were 2.19, 2.25 and 8.45 µg cm^?2 against D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus and T. putrescentiae. The acaricidal constituent of L. lucidus was isolated by chromatographic techniques and identified as 1‐octen‐3‐ol. In a fumigant method against D. farinae, the acaricidal activity of 1‐octen‐3‐ol (0.25 µg cm^?2) was more toxic than N,N‐diethyl‐m‐toluamide (DEET) (36.84 µg cm^?2), followed by 3,7‐dimethyl‐1‐octen‐3‐ol (0.29 µg cm^?2), 1‐octen‐3‐yl butyrate (2.32 µg cm^?2), 1‐octen‐3‐yl acetate (2.42 µg cm^?2), 3,7‐dimethyl‐1‐octene (9.34 µg cm^?2) and benzyl benzoate (10.02 µg cm^?2). In a filter paper bioassay against D. farinae, 1‐octen‐3‐ol (0.63 µg cm^?2) was more effective than DEET (20.64 µg cm^?2), followed by 3,7‐dimethyl‐1‐octen‐3‐ol (1.09 µg cm^?2). CONCLUSION: 1‐Octen‐3‐ol and 3,7‐dimethyl‐1‐octen‐3‐ol could be useful as natural agents for the management of three mite species. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Being exposed to low concentrations of pirimiphos-methyl and chlorfenapyr has detrimental effects on the mobility of Trogoderma granarium

BACKGROUND

Sublethal effects of insecticides may negatively affect several biological and behavioral traits of insects. The lethal effects of pirimiphos-methyl and chlorfenapyr have been previously showed on Trogoderma granarium, but little knowledge is available about their sublethal effects at low concentrations on both sexes. Herein, the sublethal effects of pirimiphos-methyl and chlorfenapyr on the mobility of T. granarium males and females were investigated.

RESULTS

Lethal concentration (LC) values of pirimiphos-methyl and chlorfenapyr were lower for T. granarium females than males. LC values on males were LC₁₀ = 0.000788 and 0.00139 mg active ingredient (a.i.) cm⁻², LC₃₀ = 0.00350 and 0.00535 mg a.i. cm⁻², and LC₅₀ = 0.00986 and 0.0136 mg a.i. cm⁻² for pirimiphos-methyl and chlorfenapyr respectively. LC on females were LC₁₀ = 0.000704 and 0.00110 mg a.i. cm⁻², LC₃₀ = 0.00323 and 0.00428 mg a.i. cm⁻², and LC₅₀ = 0.00925 and 0.0110 mg a.i. cm⁻² for pirimiphos-methyl and chlorfenapyr respectively. The walking duration of beetles exposed to LC₃₀ of pirimiphos-methyl was significantly lower than the individuals exposed to LC₁₀ and LC₃₀ of both insecticides and control ones. Pirimiphos-methyl LC₃₀-exposed males remained more time on their back (101.7 s) than females (46.9 s), while the latter stayed immobile longer than males (381.7 s versus 371.9 s). The highest speed was recorded for control beetles (14.17 mm s⁻¹ females vs. 12.44 mm s⁻¹ males), while the lowest speed was observed in pirimiphos-methyl LC₃₀-treated males (8.36 mm s⁻¹) and females (9.66 mm s⁻¹).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, males and females exposed to low concentrations of pirimiphos-methyl and chlorfenapyr showed reduced motility. This knowledge can be exploited further to unlock behavioral effects of insecticides for effective pest management programs in warehouses. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.     

Ovicidal,larvicidal and juvenilizing activity of a picolinephenoxyanilide against Cydia pomonella

N‐(4‐phenoxyphenyl)‐2‐pyridinecarboxamide (1) was synthesized from commercially available materials and its ovicidal and larvicidal activity against Cydia pomonella (L) was tested. The compound showed a LC₅₀ of 0.98 mg ml⁻¹ when eggs less than 24 h were sprayed using a Potter Tower, but it had no effect when eggs older than this were sprayed. The compound did not have larvicidal activity when larvae were treated with 1200 µg g⁻¹. However, the larval head capsules were smaller than those in the controls when treated at this concentration. To assess its possible juvenile‐hormone‐like activity, the compound was topically applied to young pupae of Tribolium confusum duVal, where it produced clear juvenilization effects, which were dependent on the applied dose. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Contact and fumigant toxicity of plant essential oils and efficacy of spray formulations containing the oils against B‐ and Q‐biotypes of Bemisia tabaci

BACKGROUND: The contact + fumigant toxicity of 92 plant essential oils and control efficacy of 18 experimental spray formulations containing nine selected essential oils (0.5 and 0.1% sprays) and six commercial insecticides to females from B‐ and Q‐biotypes of Bemisia tabaci were evaluated using vapour‐phase mortality and spray bioassays. RESULTS: Garlic and oregano (LC₅₀, 0.15 mL cm^?3) were the most toxic oils against B‐ and Q‐biotype females. Strong fumigant toxicity to both biotype females was also obtained from catnip, cinnamon bark, clove bud, clove leaf, davana, savory and vetiver Haiti oils (LC₅₀, 0.17–0.48 mL cm^?3). The 0.5% sprays of these oils (except for thyme red oil) resulted in 90–100% mortality against both biotype females. Only garlic applied as 0.1% spray provided 100% mortality. Spinosad 100 g L^?1 suspension concentrate (SC) treatment resulted in 92 and 95% mortality against both biotype females, whereas acetamiprid 80 g L^?1 wettable powder (WP), imidacloprid 80 g L^?1 SC, thiamethoxam 100 g L^?1 water‐dispersible granule (WDG) and pyridaben 200 g L^?1 WP treatments resulted in 89–100% mortality against B‐biotype females only. CONCLUSION: In the light of global efforts to reduce the level of highly toxic synthetic insecticides in the agricultural environment, the essential oils described, particularly garlic, cinnamon bark and vetiver Haiti, merit further study as potential insecticides for the control of B. tabaci populations as fumigants with contact action. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Fate and persistence of residues on wheat used to explain efficacy differences between deltamethrin suspension concentrate and emulsifiable concentrate formulations

To help explain the increased residual activity of a deltamethrin suspension concentrate (SC) formulation against grasshoppers, the persistence, location and nature of residues from the SC and an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulation have been compared. Wheat plants were sprayed in a cabinet sprayer at 7.6 g ha^?1 for the EC and 5.6 g ha^?1 for the SC, then weathered outdoors for 16 days. With the SC formulation, residues were more persistent, more residues were located on the exterior of the leaves, and less deltamethrin was converted to inactive isomers. Eight days after spraying, the exterior deltamethrin residues were 0.13 μg plant^?1 from the SC versus 0.06 μg plant^?1 from the EC. Thus, more residual deltamethrin is available to grasshoppers with the SC formulation.     

Toxicity of formic acid to red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren

BACKGROUND: Ants often compete with other ants for resources. Although formic acid is a common defensive chemical of formicine ants, it does not occur in any other subfamilies in Formicidae. No information on toxicity of formic acid to red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta, is available. This study examined its contact and fumigation toxicity to S. invicta in the laboratory. RESULTS: In a contact toxicity bioassay, 24 h LD₅₀ values of formic acid for workers ranged from 124.54 to 197.71 µg ant⁻¹. Female alates and queens were much less sensitive to formic acid than workers. At a concentration of 271.72 µg ant⁻¹, which killed 81.09 ± 16.04% of workers, the 24 h mortality was up to 39.64% for female alates and 38.89% for queens. In fumigation bioassays, 24 h LC₅₀ values ranged from 0.26 to 0.50 µg mL⁻¹ for workers, 0.32 µg mL⁻¹ for male alates and 0.70 µg mL⁻¹ for female alates. Complete mortality (100%) in queens occurred 24 h after they had been exposed to 1.57 µg mL⁻¹ of formic acid. At a concentration of 2.09 µg mL⁻¹, KT₅₀ values ranged from 23.03 to 43.85 min for workers, from 37.84 to 58.37 min for male alates, from 86.06 to 121.05 min for female alates and from 68.00 to 85.92 min for queens. CONCLUSION: When applied topically, formic acid was significantly less toxic than bifenthrin to red imported fire ants. Although its fumigation toxicity was lower than that of dichlorvos, formic acid had about an order of magnitude higher toxicity to S. invicta than to other insects studied so far. It may be worth investigating the use of formic acid for managing imported fire ants. Published 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Insecticidal activity against Aedes aegypti of m-pentadecadienyl-phenol isolated from Myracrodruon urundeuva seeds

BACKGROUND: Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. Allemao is a common tree in the Caatinga that has been widely used for various medical purposes. Previous studies showed that the ethanol seed extract of M. urundeuva has potent activity against the larval stage of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti. Given this potential insecticidal activity, bioguided separation steps were performed in order to isolate the active compound(s). RESULTS: The isolation process resulted in only one active chemical compound, identified by infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry as m-pentadecadienyl-phenol. This compound presented potent larvicidal and pupicidal activity (LC₅₀ 10.16 and 99.06 µg mL⁻¹ respectively) and great egg hatching inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ 49.79 µg mL⁻¹). The mode of action was investigated through observations of behavioural and morphological changes performed in third-instar larvae treated with m-pentadecadienyl-phenol solution after 1, 6, 12, 16 and 20 h of exposure. Some changes were observed as flooding of the tracheal system, alterations in siphonal valves and anal gills and lethargy, probably caused by the strong anticholinesterasic activity reported previously. CONCLUSION: The compound isolated from M. urundeuva seeds, m-pentadecadienyl-phenol, showed potent activity against immature stages of dengue vector, Ae. aegypti, being considered the main larvicidal principle. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Insecticidal activities of leaf and twig essential oils from Clausena excavata against Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus larvae

BACKGROUND: The current study investigates, for the first time, the mosquito larvicidal activities of leaf and twig essential oils from Clausena excavata Burm. f. and their individual constituents against Aedes aegypti L. and Aedes albopictus Skuse larvae. The yields of essential oils obtained from hydrodistillation were compared, and their constituents were determined by GC‐MS analyses. RESULTS: The LC₅₀ values of leaf and twig essential oils against fourth‐instar larvae of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus were 37.1–40.1 µg mL^?1 and 41.1–41.2 µg mL^?1 respectively. This study demonstrated that C. excavata leaf and twig essential oils possess mosquito larvicidal activity, inhibiting the growth of mosquito larvae for both species at a low concentration. In addition, results of larvicidal assays showed that the effective constituents in leaf and twig essential oils were limonene, γ‐terpinene, terpinolene, β‐myrcene, 3‐carene and p‐cymene. The LC₅₀ values of these constituents against both mosquito larvae were below 50 µg mL^?1. Among these effective constituents, limonene had the best mosquito larvicidal activity, with LC₅₀ of 19.4 µg mL^?1 and 15.0 µg mL^?1 against Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus larvae respectively. CONCLUSION: The findings suggested that the essential oils from Clausena excavata leaf and twig and their effective constituents may be explored as a potential natural larvicide. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Responses of striped stem borer,Chilo suppressalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), from Taiwan to a range of insecticides

BACKGROUND: Information on the insecticide susceptibility of striped stem borer, Chilo suppressalis (Walker), is essential for an effective pest management programme. An early detection of resistance development can prompt the modification of current control methods and increase the lifespan of insecticides through the rotation of chemicals with different modes of action. In this study, the susceptibility of this pest in Taiwan to four classes of insecticides has been examined. RESULTS: Over 1000‐fold resistance to carbofuran was detected in C. suppressalis collected from Chiayi and Changhua prefectures, with estimated LC₅₀ values of > 3 mg cm^?2. In addition, 61‐fold resistance to cartap was found in the Chiayi population. On the other hand, all tested populations of rice stem borer were still relatively susceptible to chlorpyrifos, fipronil and permethrin, with LC₅₀ values ranging from 30 to 553 ng cm^?2. Chilo suppressalis populations collected from the central parts of Taiwan have a higher degree of resistance to the tested insecticides than those from northern areas. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of high resistance to carbofuran in the Chiayi and Changhua areas suggests that this compound should be replaced with chemicals having a different mode of action, such as chlorpyrifos, fipronil and permethrin, to which low cross‐resistance has been detected. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Inheritance of resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac toxin in Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from India

BACKGROUND: The cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), is one of the most serious insect pests of cotton. It has developed resistance to almost all groups of chemical insecticides because of their intensive use. The failure of insecticides to control H. armigera has been a strong incentive for the adoption of transgenic cotton (Bt cotton). However, the value of Bt could be diminished by widespread resistance development to Bt toxins in insect populations. Therefore, understanding the genetic basis of resistance is essential for developing and implementing strategies to delay and monitor resistance. RESULTS: A resistant strain designated as BM‐R was obtained from the cross of adults from Bathinda () and Muktsar (), Punjab, India, which showed the highest survival (60.68%) and LC₅₀ value (1.396 µg mL^?1 diet). Similarly, a laboratory‐maintained strain from Hoshiarpur, Punjab, showed maximum susceptibility to Cry1Ac toxin with the lowest LC₅₀ value (0.087 µg mL^?1), and was designated as HP‐S. The genetic purity of both strains was confirmed by RAPD profile analysis at each generation, and genetic similarity reached more than 90% after the third generation. Continuous maintenance of the resistant BM‐R strain on Cry1Ac resulted in an increase in LC₅₀ from 0.531 µg mL^?1 in F₀ to 4.28 µg mL^?1 in F₁₄ and 7.493 µg mL^?1 in F₁₉, while the LC₅₀ values for HP‐S larvae on diet without Cry1Ac increased to 0.106 and 0.104 µg mL^?1, which lay within the fiducial limits of the baseline LC₅₀ value. The mode of inheritance of resistance was elucidated through bioassay response of resistant, susceptible heterozygotes and backcross progeny to Cry1Ac incorporated in semi‐synthetic diet. CONCLUSION: Based on dominance, degree of dominance and backcross values, resistance was inferred to be polygenic, autosomal and inherited as a recessive trait. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Acaricidal properties of piperazine and its derivatives against house‐dust and stored‐food mites

BACKGROUND: Piperazine derivatives possess pharmacological properties, yet the acaricidal activity of these compounds has not been investigated. This study was conducted to evaluate the colour alteration and acaricidal activity of piperazine derivatives against Dermatophagoides spp. and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) using filter paper and fumigant methods. RESULTS: In a fumigant bioassay, 1‐phenylpiperazine (7.83 µg cm^?2) against D. farinae (Hughes) was found to be 4.7 times more toxic than DEET (36.84 µg cm^?2), followed by benzyl benzoate (9.72 µg cm^?2), piperazine (11.41 µg cm^?2), 1‐ethoxycarbonylpiperazine (20.14 µg cm^?2) and 1‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)piperazine (22.14 µg cm^?2). In a filter paper bioassay, 1‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)piperazine (3.65 µg cm^?2) was 5.7 times more toxic than DEET (20.64 µg cm^?2), followed by 1‐ethoxycarbonylpiperazine (4.02 µg cm^?2), 1‐phenylpiperazine (4.75 µg cm^?2), benzyl benzoate (7.83 µg cm^?2) and piperazine (10.59 µg cm^?2). Similar results have been exhibited with piperazine derivatives against D. pteronyssinus (Troussart). However, no activity against T. putrescentiae was observed for piperazine derivatives, except for piperazine. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that piperazine derivatives may be suitable as vapour‐phase acaricide fumigants owing to their high volatility, acaricidal activity and safety. 1‐Phenylpiperazine was found to be an excellent mite indicator based on the colour change it induced. Taken together, these findings indicate that piperazine derivatives may be used to replace existing problematical acaricides owing to their activity and ability to act as a mite indicator. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Evaluation of field resistance in field-collected mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus Say through quantification of ULV permethrin/PBO formulation in field bioassays

BACKGROUND

Pyrethroids are among the most applied adulticides worldwide to control mosquito vectors for prevention of arboviral diseases transmission. However, pesticide resistance development in a mosquito population could lead to decreased control efficacy. While most studies investigate the resistant genotype (i.e. kdr, CYP450, etc.) as explanatory variables, few field efficacy studies have measured pesticide quantities deposited at different distances from the sprayer in association with observed mosquito mortality. The current study determined field delivered amounts of an applied ULV permethrin/PBO formulation (31% permethrin + 66% piperonyl butoxide) by GC/MS and estimated practical resistance ratios using caged mosquito females.

RESULTS

For field samples, the extraction method recovered 78 ± 3.92–108 ± 8.97% of the permethrin/PBO formulation when utilizing the peaks of PBO from GC/MS to estimate the concentrations of adulticide deposited near the mosquito cages. The field bioassay showed that the spatial distribution of permethrin/PBO formulation was heterogeneous among three pseudo-replicates within the same distance. Within the quantifiable permethrin/PBO range of 15.7–51.4 ng/cm², field-collected mosquito mortalities started at 64% and linearly increased reaching 100% only in two areas, while all Sebring susceptible mosquitoes died. The field LC₉₅ resistance ratio (RR) of F₀ Cx. quinquefasciatus ranged from 2.65–3.51, falling within the 95% CI of RR₉₅ estimated by laboratory vial assays. Tests with and without PBO indicated P450's enzymes contributed to field resistance.

CONCLUSION

Results showed the suitability of the collection and quantification method to estimate the field resistance ratio at the applied pesticide rate. Pesticide quantification would also allow the association of the known frequencies of resistance mechanisms (e.g. kdr, CYP450) with field mortalities to estimate the resistance level conferred by such mechanisms. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

Acaricidal activity of triketone analogues derived from Leptospermum scoparium oil against house‐dust and stored‐food mites

BACKGROUND: Various attempts to control the populations of house‐dust and stored‐food mites have been implemented using synthetic chemicals. Although effective, the repeated use of these chemicals has led to resistance owing to the mite's high reproductive potential and short life cycle. Therefore, this study aimed to develop natural acaricides using oils derived from Leptospermum scoparium JR & G Forst., which may affect the overall biological activity of a mite without adverse effects. Results were compared with those from using benzyl benzoate and N,N‐diethyl‐3‐methylbenzamide (DEET). RESULTS: The LD₅₀ values of L. scoparium oil were 0.54, 0.67 and 1.12 µg cm^?2 against Dermatophagoides farinae (Hughes), D. pteronyssinus (Troussart) and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) respectively. The active constituent isolated from L. scoparium was identified as leptospermone (6‐isovaleryl‐2,2,4,4‐tetramethyl‐1,3,5‐cyclohexanetrione) by spectroscopic analysis. Based on the LD₅₀ values of leptospermone and its derivatives, the most toxic compound against D. farinae was leptospermone (0.07 µg cm^?2), followed by 2,2,4,4,6,6‐hexamethyl‐1,3,5‐cyclohexanetrione (1.21 µg cm^?2), benzyl benzoate (10.03 µg cm^?2) and DEET (37.12 µg cm^?2). Furthermore, similar results were observed when the leptospermone and its derivatives were tested against D. pteronyssinus and T. putrescentiae. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that L. scoparium oil‐derived materials, particularly leptospermone and 2,2,4,4,6,6‐hexamethyl‐1,3,5‐cyclohexanetrione, have potential for development as new agents for the control of three species of mite. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry