DPX-MP062—a potent compound for controlling the Egyptian cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.)

The effects of DPX-MP062 [methyl 7-chloro-2,3,4a,5-tetrahydro-2-[methoxycarbonyl(4-trifluoromethoxyphenyl)carbamoyl] indeno[1,2-e][1,3,4] oxadiazine-4a-carboxylate] a broad-spectrum insecticide with a novel mode of action, on the Egyptian cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis, were studied in laboratory experiments. Egg hatch was affected by high concentrations (125 mg AI litre^-1) of DPX-MP062. Larvae that hatched from treated eggs were significantly affected at concentrations of 12·5 mg AI litre^-1 and greater. Larvae were fed castor bean leaves treated with DPX-MP062; 1st-instar larvae were the most susceptible development stage. Pupation and adult formation were determined in assays with 5th-instar larvae. There was strong suppression of adult formation; 65 and 91% at 0·5 and 0·75 mg AI litre^-1, respectively. Highly affected larvae died before pupation; slightly affected ones reached pupation 2–4 days later, were smaller than larvae in the untreated control, and were sometimes unable to develop into normal adults. Comparatively high concentrations (50 and 100 mg AI litre^-1) of the test compound were necessary to affect adults by ingestion, but no effects from contact application could be determined at a concentration of 100 mg AI litre^-1. © 1998 Society of Chemical Industry     

Toxicity of pyrethroids to larvae of the Egyptian cotton leafworm,Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.). II. Factors determining the effectiveness of permethrin at ultra-low volume

Factors determining theeffectiveness of permethrinat ultra-low volume against larvae of Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) were investigated using a modified Potter tower. Higher mass application rates for 95 % control were necessary when permethrin was used as a residual deposit compared with direct contact plus residual deposit action. Mortality was increased by adjusting droplet density, although the optimum number of drops/ unit area depended on the mass application rate. When mass application rate and droplet density were held constant, mortality increased inversely with the mean droplet diameter. The implications of these results for field applications are discussed.     

Joint action of benzoylphenylureas in binary mixtures against larvae of the cotton leafworm,Spodoptera littoralis

In preliminary laboratory tests, the joint activity of six benzoylphenylureas (BPUs) was studied by investigating the activity of 90 of their binary mixtures against fourth-instar larvae of the cotton leafworm,Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.), fed for 72 h on 10 ppm BPU-treated castor bean leaves. Experimental mixing ratios were 1:1, 1:4, and 1:9. At 10 ppm, the activity of the six BPUs was divided into two distinct groups. The first included the more active compounds (XRD-473, GR-333, and chlorfluazuron) while the second was composed of the relatively less active ones (diflubenzuron, triflumuron, and Dowco-439). Results of the assays indicated that only 18 of the 90 tested binary mixtures showed potentiation, whereas the majority, 70 mixtures, exhibited additive effects; two interacted antagonistically. Most of the potentiated pairs were at a mixing ratio of 1:9, pairing one strong BPU (at the low ratio) with a weak one (at the high ratio). The mixing ratio of 1:1 resulted in additive effects.     

Biochemical mechanisms of methoxyfenozide resistance in the cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis

BACKGROUND: Methoxyfenozide is a lepidopteran‐specific insecticide that belongs to a new group of insecticides, the non‐steroidal ecdysteroid agonists, also called moulting accelerating compounds (MACs). To investigate the risk of resistance and possible mechanisms conferring resistance to methoxyfenozide, the authors selected in the laboratory for a resistant strain of the cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.), which is a representative lepidopteran model and an important pest in cotton and vegetables worldwide, with a high risk for resistance development. RESULTS: After selection with methoxyfenozide during 13 generations, toxicity data showed that the selected strain developed fivefold resistance to methoxyfenozide in comparison with the susceptible strain. Measurement of the detoxification enzymes demonstrated that the monooxygenase (MO) activity was 2.1 times higher in the selected strain, whereas there was no change for esterases and glutathione‐S‐transferases. When the inhibitors piperonyl butoxide (PBO), S,S,S‐tributyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF) and diethyl maleate were tested as synergists, the respective synergistic ratios were 0.97, 0.96 and 1.0 for the susceptible strain, and 2.2, 0.96 and 1.1 for the resistant strain. The significant synergistic effect by PBO concurs with the increased MO activity in the selected strain. CONCLUSION: Taken overall, the present study supports the importance of MO‐mediated metabolism in resistance to methoxyfenozide, directing tactics to fight against resistance development for this novel group of insecticides. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Rearing the egyptian cotton leafworm,Spodoptera littoralis,on a practical calcium-alginate diet

Larvae ofSpodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) were mass-reared on a calcium-alginate diet consisting of soybeans, alfalfa meal, milk powder, and yeast as the nutrients, with dry citric acid as the gel-setting acid. Larval and pupal survival was 73%; a mean of 2045 eggs per female was oviposited within 4 days. The advantage of using this new technique is discussed.     

Toxicity of pyrethroids to larvae of the egyptian cotton leafworm,Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.). I. Relative toxicities and knockdown activities of benzyl,and 5-benzyl-3-furylmethyl,cyclopropanecarboxylates

The contact toxicity of ten pyrethroids to larvae of Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) was investigated by topical application, and symptoms observed for different combinations of dose and time. Several compounds were sufficiently active to suggest that they may prove useful for the control of populations in the field. Structure and activity are discussed with particular reference to time-dose-response relationships: speed of action is related to both chemical structure and applied dose.     

Comparative toxicity of two ecdysteroid agonists,RH-2485 and RH-5992, on susceptible and pyrethroid-resistant strains of the Egyptian cotton leafworm,Spodoptera littoralis

The comparative toxicity of two non-steroidal ecdysteroid agonists, RH-2485 and RH-5992 (tebufenozide), on development stages, fecundity and egg viability of a susceptible laboratory strain and a pyrethroid-resistant field strain ofSpodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) was evaluated. Taking the LC₅₀s as the criterion, RH-2485 was 3–7-fold more potent than RH-5992 against the susceptible and 7–14-fold more against the field strain. The LC₅₀ of RH-2485 in the 1st and 6th instars of the susceptible strain was 0.32 and 0.57 mg a.i./l, respectively. The field strain showed a mild cross-resistance of about threefold to both compounds in 1st instars and to a lesser extent in 6th instars. A considerable increase in fecundity (~3-fold) and no effect on egg viability was observed when 6th instars were fed on cotton leaves treated with 0.25 mg a.i./l RH-2485 (~LC₄₀). Our results indicate that both compounds are potentially potent insecticides for controllingS. littoralis larvae, being 10-60-fold more potent than a previous ecdysteroid agonist, RH-5849.     

Feeding deterrent and growth inhibitory properties of limonoids from Khaya senegalensis against the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis

Three rearranged phragmalin-type limonoids, khayanolide A, khayanolide B and 1-O-acetylkhayanolide B, and a mexicanolide-type limonoid, khayalactol, have been isolated from the stem bark of Khaya senegalensis (Desr) A Juss (Meliaceae). The antifeedant and growth-inhibitory activities of the isolated compounds were evaluated on Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval). When added to an artificial diet, khayanolide A, khayanolide B and 1-O-acetylkhayanolide B showed antifeedant activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Khayalactol exhibited strong antifeedant activity without significant differences at all of the tested concentrations (7.5-100 mg kg(-1)). Khayanolide B was the most potent antifeedant with an ECso of 2.19 mg kg(-1). The results also revealed that the isolated compounds caused marked larval growth inhibition on S littoralis after 7 days of feeding on treated diet; this effect was concentration-dependent. Khayanolide B was the most active growth inhibitor among the isolated compounds, with an EC50 of 6.96 mg kg(-1).     

Mating,longevity, fertility and fecundity of the cotton leaf-worm,Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The mechanisms adopted to ensure mating success, fertility and fecundity ofS. littoralis were studied. The male moths usually mate only once a night but they mate repeatedly during most of their life span, and practically all their spermatophores are equally efficient for inseminating a female. Although females are also multiple maters, one spermatophore is sufficient for a female to lay fertile eggs throughout her life with no reduction in potential fecundity. While a male may mate 5.3 times, on the average, a female may mate only 2.3 times. As a pronounced decrease in pheromone release occurs after mating, a repeat mating by a female will occur only after most neighboring competitive virgin females have been inseminated. A male may mate therefore with 5.3 different females, all of which will be thoroughly inseminated. The female moth is ready to mate just after emergence and at any time throughout her life. If mating is delayed the preoviposition period is greatly prolonged and eggs are saved to be laid later, after mating, as fertile eggs. Delay in egg laying due to delayed insemination does not result in reduced fecundity as it is compensated for by prolonged longevity. Even if mating is greatly delayed and occurs after egg laying has already begun, the potential reduction in reproduction is not very great, due to the low daily egg-laying rate and the increased longevity of unmated females. It appears unreasonable to expect any tendency toward reduction of egg production with a decrease in the ratio of adult males in a population; for this purpose the control of males must be essentially complete. Therefore, a behavioral control program by mass trapping ofS. littoralis males is unlikely to be economically feasible.     

Comparative toxicity of several insecticides to eggs,larvae and adults of the Egyptian cottonworm,Spodoptera littoralis,in laboratory trials

Insecticides commonly used in cotton fields in Israel against lepidopterous pests were tested against eggs, as well as against 2nd-instar larvae and adults raised from eggs ofSpodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) collected in cotton fields in the Bet She’an Valley. Methomyl, chlorpyrifos, methidathion, monocrotophos, ethyl parathion, and methyl parathion were effective against eggs even at low doses, profenofos and phosfolan were less active, and azinphos-methyl was ineffective. The doses needed for 90% kill (LD ₉₀ ) of the 2nd-instar larvae were 8.5, 35, 280, 1300 and 3400 g a.i./1000 m ² for chlorpyrifos, methomyl, profenofos, methyl parathion and ethyl parathion, respectively; monocrotophos was inactive against 2nd-instar larvae even at relatively high doses. The LD ₉₀ of adults was reached with 16, 32, 1700 and 6100 ga.i./l000 m² of chlorpyrifos, methomyl, ethyl parathion and profenofos, respectively. Only chlorpyrifos and methomyl gave successful control of all three stages of the insect tested, at doses close to those generally used with aerial applications.     

Toxicity of chlordimeform and amitraz to the egyptian cotton leafworm (Spodoptera littoralis) and the tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens)

The relative toxicity (μg a.i. g^?1 body wt) of the formamidine insecticide chlordimeform (CDM) and the triazapentadiene insecticide amitraz was examined in two species of noctuid moth Spodoptera littoralis and Heliothis virescens. When applied topically, there was an unexpected and marked difference in the toxicity of CDM base and its hydrochloride to adults of both species, the salt being appreciably more toxic. For H. virescens at least, this difference in toxicity could not be explained by differences in penetration. This trend was reversed for larval instars of S. littoralis; while there was relatively little difference in the toxicity of the base to adult and larval stages, the salt was at least 1000-fold more toxic to adults than to larvae. N¹-Demethylchlordimeform (DCDM) was the only metabolite of CDM to show biological activity against either species, but was much less toxic than the parent compound. Amitraz was far less toxic than either CDM or DCDM; like the CDM salt, it appeared to be more toxic to adult than larval stages of S. littoralis. Application of piperonyl butoxide significantly increased the toxicity of the CDM salt, DCDM and amitraz to adult H. virescens, the synergist being particularly effective with DCDM and amitraz. In contrast, piperonyl butoxide had no significant effect on the toxicity of DCDM, and slightly antagonised the toxicity of DCDM to fourth-instar larvae of S. littoralis.     

The Use of Sex Pheromones in the Control of Spodoptera littoralis Boisd.1)

An even network of pheromone traps baited with virgin females of Spodoptera littoralis Boisd. was established in Cyprus. By relating trap catches with meteorology it was shown that no major immigration of S. littoralis to Cyprus from surrounding land-masses had occurred. Direct control of S. littoralis by the synthetic pheromones recently synthesized or the sterile male technique may therefore be possible in such an area of ecological isolation.     

Spiders in sprayed and unsprayed cotton fields in Israel,their interactions with cotton pests and their importance as predators of the Egyptian cotton leaf worm,spodoptera littoralis

Densities of spiders in sprayed and unsprayed cotton fields were determined during 1981 and 1982. Eighteen families were found in an unsprayed field and 13 in sprayed fields. Species of Clubionidae, Gnaphosidae and Philodromidae comprised more than half of the total number collected. The mean weekly number of spiders per meter of cotton row was 9.1 in the unsprayed field and 5.1–5.6 in sprayed fields. Spider populations fluctuated similarly in sprayed fields in both observation years, with only one peak in July, whereas there were two peaks in the unsprayed field. Spiders played an important role in suppressing pest populations and in delaying pest outbreaks early in the cotton growing season. Thus, early pesticide applications to cotton fields are unnecessary. In a biocontrol experiment, spiders suppressed larvae of the Egyptian cotton leaf worm,Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.), thereby reducing damage to cotton leaves.     

Speed of action and toxicity of acylurea insect growth regulators against Spodoptera exempta (Walk.) and Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) larvae: Effect of inter-moult age

Ultra-low volume (ULV) spray bioassays at droplet densities (20–80 drops cm^?2) corresponding to field deposits were used to determine the efficacy of two acylurea insect growth regulators, teflubenzuron (‘Nomolt®’) and flufenoxuron (‘Cascade®’) against three different age groups of third-instar Spodoptera exempta and Spodoptera littoralis larvae. While no response (mortality and/or abnormal moulting with impaired ability to feed) was observed with one-day-old larvae until 48 h after treatment, two-day-old larvae showed some response (27–93% abnormal moulting and 3–10% mortality when larvae were sprayed; 80–100% abnormal moulting and up to 83% mortality when larvae and plants were sprayed) after 24 h and up to 100% mortality at 120 h. Studies with non-feeding, pre-moult larvae showed that cuticular uptake of acylureas was sufficient to affect an appreciable proportion of larvae after 24 h, with up to 100% mortality at 120 h. More detailed studies with pre-moult S. littoralis larvae showed that, while a few larvae which moulted between 1 and 5 h after treatment showed abnormal moulting to the L4 stage, a much larger proportion of larvae which moulted 6–20 h after treatment were affected. Previous studies with S. exempta have shown that different larval instars show similar levels of sensitivity to acylureas. The present work suggests that, while the age distribution within instars has little influence on the end-point mortality of acylureas, it can profoundly modify the speed of response, the majority of larvae within an instar being effectively controlled at the moult following treatment. The significance of these observations in relation to the crop protection activity of acylureas against field populations of Spodoptera larvae is discussed.     

Night observations on the cotton leafworm,Spodoptera littoralis: Reliability of pheromone traps for population assessment and efficacy of widely separated pheromone dispensers for mating disruption

Night observations on the cotton leafworm,Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), were conducted in pheromone-treated and untreated plots in which males, females, mating pairs on plants, and males caught in traps were collected. Results indicated that emergence of a new population was rapid (8-9 days) and that the number of virgin females and of mating pairs on plants reached a peak 5–6 days prior to that of males captured in pheromone traps. Males responded to pheromone traps most actively when the actual virgin female popution had already declined considerably. Dispensers adsorbed with(Z,E)-9,11-tetradecadienyl acetate and located 25 m apart, effectively reduced male captures in traps. However, the number of native mating pairs observed in the treated field during the night was not reduced. Few releasers at wide spacing, even with high amounts of the major pheromonal component, were ineffective in causing mating disruption ofSpodoptera littoralis.     

Studies of the susceptibility of the cotton leafworm,spodoptera littoralis (boisduval), to various strains ofbacillus thuringiensis

The effect of ten different laboratory strains ofBacillus thuringiensis and of the thermostable exotoxin, was tested on larvae ofSpodoptera littoralis Boisduval. Endotoxin poisoning was not observed and whenever mortality rose substantially above the controls, it seemed due to the thermostable exotoxin and not to the parasporal crystal. Treatment of a commercial preparation with substances dissolving the crystal did not elicit acute toxemia, nor did abrasives administered with this preparation bring about fulminating septicemia.     

The use of traps baited with live females or synthetic pheromone as a tool for improving control programs of the cotton leaf-worm,Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.), in cotton fields in israel

The aim of this investigation was to clarify whether pheromone traps could provide a reliable tool for early detection of aS. littoralis adult population and for indicating infestation by its larvae in the field. The aggregated pattern of distribution of adults is indicated by the fit of data to Taylor’s Power Law or to the negative binomial distribution. However, the relatively high k values obtained indicate thatS. littoralis adults are only slightly aggregated and sometimes almost randomly distributed. Trap position in the field and number of traps per area unit affected size of catches in both female-baited and synthetic-pheromone-baited traps. No relationship between size of catches and temperature, wind velocity or moon phase was detected. Variations in size of catches among traps was not affected much by the baited females. Pheromone traps proved to be a reliable tool for estimating fluctuations in population density and for indicating adult peaks. However, no correlation between male catches and infestation by larvae in the experimental plots was found. Pheromone traps may serve only as a warning device indicating the possibility of potential attack due to an increase in adult population level. Mercury vapor light traps were inferior to pheromone traps in detecting changes inS. littoralis population densities. Synthetic pheromone (“Litlure”) was somewhat less efficient in attracting males than virgin females; however, it is suitable for detecting fluctuations in theS. littoralis adult population.     

Toxicity of the chitin synthesis inhibitors,diflubenzuron and its dichloro-analogue,to Spodoptera littoralis larvae

The activities of the chitin synthesis inhibitors, diflubenzuron and PH 60–38, against Spodoptera littoralis larvae were assayed by feeding treated alfalfa or poisoned wheat bran baits, by allowing the larvae to imbibe sucrose-containing aqueous dispersions of the compounds, and by injection into larvae. PH 60–38 was less active than diflubenzuron. On alfalfa, diflubenzuron had to be fed for at least 2 days to prevent formation of normal pupae and emergence of adults. For very big (480–540 mg) larvae, feeding diflubenzuron at concentrations of 50 mg/litre for 2 days or 2.5 mg/litre for 3 days prevented adult emergence. For 200–250 mg larvae, this was achieved by feeding concentrations of 100 mg/litre for 2 days, 5 mg/litre for 3 days or 3.5 mg/litre for 4 days. In all larvae > 150 mg, mortality in feeding experiments occurred in the prepupal or the pupal stage. Only with 30–50 mg and 100–150 mg larvae was there considerable mortality during moults between larval instars, the larvae being unable to liberate themselves from the old larval skins and head capsules. Diflubenzuron incorporated into wheat bran baits at concentrations of from 2.5 to 10 000 μg/g killed approximately 70–90% of the insects. When imbibed, diflubenzuron was much less toxic as a wettable powder than as a liquid formulation but the two formulations were equitoxic when injected into the larvae.     

Effects of amino acids on the feeding behavior of the larva of the egyptian cotton leafworm,spodoptera littoralis boisd

The effect of 21 amino acids on the feeding response of larvae ofSpodoptera littoralis was investigated using the “Styropor method.” Lamellae of Styropor were treated(a) with different concentrations of amino acids,(b) different concentrations of amino acids mixed with 0.125 M sucrose, and(c) 0.125 M sucrose alone. The weight of Styropor consumed during 48 h served as the criterion of phagostimulation or phagodeterrency. With the sole exception of 0.125 M L-glutamic acid, no phagostimulation occurred in any of the amino acids tested in mixture with 0.125 M sucrose; none was phagostimulant when tested alone. Deterrency was found at 0.125 M in L-alanine, DL-alpha-amino-n-butyric acid, L-serine, L-cystine, L-methionine, L-tyrosine, and L-histidine, when mixed with an equimolar concentration of sucrose. Methionine was highly phagodeterrent also at 0.0625 M and, as was DL-alpha-amino-n-butyric acid, still active even at 0.0125 M. Chemical analysis showed that there was no decomposition of methionine applied on Styropor.     

A Stable Synthetic Pyrethroid,NRDC 147, and the Control of Spodoptera littoralis

Abstract

Pyrethrins, the botanical insecticides and their synthetic analogues are well known for their power of producing very rapid paralysis (knockdown) in treated insects. The use of pyrethrins or synthetic analogues in agriculture to combat insect pests on field crops has been rather limited. The main reason for this is their non-persistence in field conditions. A recently developed synthetic pyrethroid NRDC 147, which is 10–100 times more stable in light than previous pyrethroids was tested in the laboratory and field against the Egyptian cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd). Results indicate higher efficiency (LC₅₀ 320 ppm), compared with 460, 422, 1250, 180, 2150 and 265 ppm for cyolane, chlorpyrifos, leptophos, methomyl, monocrotophos and methamidophos respectively. The residual effect (LT₅₀) is more than 7 days in the field for NRDC 147, while it was 5.8, 6.8 and 4.2 for cyolane, leptophos and methamidophos.