Comparative laboratory evaluation of the acute and chronic toxicology of diflubenzuron,hexaflumuron and teflubenzuron against II instar desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

The acute and chronic toxicities of three benzoylphenyl ureas, diflubenzuron, hexaflumuron and teflubenzuron were assessed under laboratory conditions against two-day-old second (II) instar Desert Locust, Schistocerca gregaria (ForskÅl) nymphs. Following exposure by ingestion of a single precise dose applied to short pieces of spring barley, nymphs were monitored for two moults until the fourth (IV) instar. Analysis of acute response data gave three significantly different LD₅₀ statistics (P < 0·05), 68·0, 26·6 and 0·71 μg per nymph respectively for diflubenzuron, hexaflumuron and teflubenzuron. The probit regression slopes also differed significantly, indicating distinct tolerance distributions for the three compounds, the narrowest response being to diflubenzuron and the widest range of response being to teflubenzuron. The timing of death was found to vary between the compounds; most nymphs died during the first moult following treatment with either hexaflumuron or teflubenzuron. However, the majority of nymphs that died after exposure to diflubenzuron did so after completing the first moult after treatment, but before the second. The mean development times of nymphs during the II and especially third (III) instars were significantly longer (P < 0·05) than those of the controls following exposure to diflubenzuron and hexaflumuron. Teflubenzuron had no significant effect (P < 0·05) on the duration of the II instar. The potential of the three compounds to control S. gregaria populations in the field is discussed with particular reference to the timing and nature of acute and chronic responses.     

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     

A new aqueous suspension concentrate formulation of cis‐permethrin and its insecticidal activity

Isomers of pyrethroids usually have different insecticidal activities. Permethrin, a non‐cyano pyrethroid, is not an exception and cis‐permethrin is much more active than the trans‐isomer against Triatoma infestans, vector of Chagas' Disease in Argentina. The large‐scale separation of cis‐ and trans‐permethrin was performed by successive recrystallizations from ethanol‐water mixtures. An aqueous suspension concentrate (flowable) formulation of pure crystalline cis‐permethrin was prepared and assayed for its insecticidal activity on wood and ceramic surfaces against nymph V of T infestans. This formulation was at least three times more effective than deltamethrin, with LC₅₀ values on ceramic of 0.11 µg cm⁻² and 0.33 µg cm⁻² respectively. On wood surfaces, the LC₅₀ value was 0.57 µg cm⁻² compared with 3.20 µg cm⁻² for deltamethrin. Against other insect species such as Periplaneta americana, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus, the suspension concentrate formulation of cis‐permethrin was, however, less effective than similar formulations of deltamethrin or β‐cypermethrin. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of Buprofezin onIcerya Purchasi andPlanococcus Citri

The effectiveness of buprofezin (aqueous suspensions from 25% wettable powder) on cumulative nymph mortality and reproduction of two homopterous pests,Icerya purchasi Maskell (Margarodidae) andPlanococcus citri (Risso) (Pseudococcidae), was investigated under laboratory conditions. Buprofezin was very effective against crawlers of both species. Dipping in concentrations of 0.002%, 0.01% and 0.05% (a. i.) resulted in 91–99% nymph mortality ofP. citri, whereas 100% mortality was recorded whenI. purchasi was treated at 0.05% (a. i.); the 3rd-instar nymphs ofI. purchasi were less susceptible to the chemical. Death of the larval stages occurred mainly during the molting process to the 2nd-instar nymphs. At 0.05%, buprofezin sprayed on adults slightly reduced fecundity and decreased egg hatch to 31% forI. purchasi and, depending on the exposure period of the females, to 49-7% forP. citri. Buprofezin at 0.05% exhibited strong ovicidal activity onP. citri, resulting in inhibition of over 80% egg hatch.     

Effects of buprofezin and diflubenzuron on various developmental stages of Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri

BACKGROUND: Diaphorina citri populations in Florida are developing resistance to commonly used neurotoxic insecticides. Alternatives to neurotoxins, such as insect growth regulators, are needed to control this season-long subtropical pest to prevent or delay development of insecticide resistance. In the present investigation, two insect growth regulators (IGRs), buprofezin and diflubenzuron, were evaluated against various developmental stages of D. citri. RESULTS: The 0–1-day-old D. citri eggs were more susceptible to buprofezin and diflubenzuron than the 3–4-day-old eggs. Adult emergence was completely suppressed by treating first- or third-instar nymphs with buprofezin or diflubenzuron at 30–240 or 23–184 µg mL⁻¹ rates respectively. Treatment of fifth-instar nymphs with diflubenzuron at a rate of 184 µg mL⁻¹ and with buprofezin at 30–240 µg mL⁻¹ rates resulted in approximately 20 and 15–80% reductions in adult emergence respectively. The mean number of eggs per plant was reduced at 5 days after topical treatment with diflubenzuron. Mean egg hatch per plant was reduced at 5 and 6–15 days after topical treatments with buprofezin and diflubenzuron respectively. CONCLUSION: Buprofezin and diflubenzuron effectively suppressed D. citri adult emergence. D. citri were more susceptible as early (first–third-instar) than late (fifth-instar) nymphs. Both IGRs inhibited egg production and egg hatch. Reduction in the number of subsequent offspring suggests reduced vertical transmission of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the pathogen thought to cause citrus greening disease. The present results indicate that both IGRs tested here should be effective tools for rotation in insecticide-based D. citri management programs. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Insecticidal activity of scorpion toxin (ButaIT) and snowdrop lectin (GNA) containing fusion proteins towards pest species of different orders

BACKGROUND: The toxicity of a fusion protein, ButalT/GNA, comprising a venom toxin (ButaIT) derived from the red scorpion, Mesobuthus tamulus (F.), and Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA), was evaluated under laboratory conditions against several pest insects. Insecticidal activity was compared with SFI1/GNA, a fusion comprising a venom toxin (SFI1) derived from the European spider Segestria florentina (Rossi) and GNA, which has been previously demonstrated to be effective against lepidopteran and hemipteran pests, and to GNA itself. RESULTS: Injection assays demonstrated that both fusion proteins were toxic to lepidopteran larvae, dipteran adults, coleopteran adults and larvae and dictyopteran nymphs. ButalT/GNA was more toxic than SFI1/GNA in all cases. GNA itself made a minor contribution to toxicity. Oral toxicity of ButalT/GNA towards lepidopteran pests was confirmed against neonate Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.), where incorporation at 2% dietary protein resulted in 50% mortality and > 85% reduction in growth compared with controls. ButaIT/GNA was orally toxic to Musca domestica L. adults, causing 75% mortality at 1 mg mL^?1 in aqueous diets and, at 2 mg g^?1 it was orally toxic to Tribolium castaneum (Herbst.), causing 60% mortality and a 90% reduction in growth. CONCLUSIONS: Toxicity of the ButaIT/GNA recombinant fusion protein towards a range of insect pests from different orders was demonstrated by injection bioassays. Feeding bioassays demonstrated the potential use of the ButaIT/GNA fusion protein as an orally active insecticide against lepidopteran, dipteran and coleopteran pests. These experiments provide further evidence that the development of fusion protein technology for the generation of new, biorational, anti‐insect molecules holds significant promise. © Crown Copyright 2009. Reproduced with permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

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     

Baseline toxicity of several pesticides to Hyaliodes vitripennis (Say) (Hemiptera: Miridae)

Hyaliodes vitripennis (Say) is a univoltine indigenous predacious mirid. It has been reported in several orchards where IPM programmes are used. It is a generalist, and feeds on phytophagous mites in addition to other arthropods. In Quebec, a foliar application of imidacloprid, deltamethrin or lambda‐cyhalothrin is used at least once per season to manage arthropod pests such as leafhoppers and leaf‐eating caterpillars. Meanwhile, several applications of metiram, flusilazole, myclobutanil and mancozeb are made to control apple scab [Venturia inaequalis (Cooke) Winter]. In laboratory trials, comparison of lethal concentrations of the three insecticides against H vitripennis nymphs and adults showed no significant difference. However, when lethal concentrations were compared between two growth stages for each insecticide, a significant difference was noted between adults and nymphs treated with lambda‐cyhalothrin, adults being more susceptible than nymphs. No such difference could be detected for imidacloprid or deltamethrin. When LC₅₀ values were compared with the manufacturer's label rates, deltamethrin and imidacloprid were toxic to the nymphs and adults, and lambda‐cyhalothrin was slightly toxic to the nymphs and moderately toxic to the adults. Among the fungicides evaluated in the laboratory, myclobutanil showed moderate toxicity to adults at the manufacturer's label rate. The remaining fungicides had no toxic effects to adults or nymphs, even at four times the manufacturer's label rate. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Plant growth inhibitors in turmeric (Curcuma longa) and their effects on Bidens pilosa

Turmeric (Curcuma spp.) has numerous biological activities, including anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal and insecticidal properties. Here, we evaluated the plant growth‐inhibitory activities of two cultivars of Curcuma longa (C. longa ; Ryudai gold and Okinawa ukon) against radish, cress, lettuce and Bidens pilosa (B. pilosa ). The methanol extracts of both turmeric varieties inhibited the seed germination and seedling growth of all the tested plants. Ryudai gold had a significantly higher inhibitory effect on the seed germination and root and shoot growth of the plants than Okinawa ukon. Therefore, Ryudai gold was chosen for the isolation of plant growth‐inhibitory compounds using a silica gel column and high‐performance liquid chromatography. The structural identification of the compounds was carried out using ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The growth inhibitors were identified as four curcuminoids; dihydrobisdemethoxycurcumin ( 1 ), bisdemethoxycurcumin ( 2 ), demethoxycurcumin ( 3 ) and curcumin ( 4 ). The IC₅₀ of the curcuminoids against the root and shoot growth of B. pilosa ranged from 8.7 ± 1.7 to 12.9 ± 1.8 and from 15.5 ± 1.8 to 38.9 ± 2.8 μmol L^?1, respectively. Compound 1 showed the lowest IC₅₀ against the root and shoot growth of B. pilosa . These results suggested that Ryudai gold has a potential growth‐inhibitory effect against B. pilosa .     

The toxicity of diflubenzuron to Oxya japonica (Willemse) and its effect on moulting

A laboratory evaluation of the acute toxicity of diflubenzuron against the final stage of Oxya japonica nymphs showed that it was more effective in preventing the development of the nymphs into the adults when applied topically, than when injected. Histological studies revealed that treated nymphs that subsequently died, before or during ecdysis, suffered from severe endocuticular lesions. Comparable abnormalities and disruption of endocuticular deposition and growth were also seen in nymphs that were treated topically with diflubenzuron at 50 or 200 μg a.i. per insect, although these nymphs appeared normal externally.     

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 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     

Characterisation of midgut digestive proteases from the maize stem borer Busseola fusca

BACKGROUND: Insect damage is a major constraint on maize production. Control of Busseola fusca (Fuller) in sub‐Saharan Africa is relatively ineffective; the major larval digestive enzymes were characterised with a view to developing future control strategies. RESULTS: Using BODIPY‐FL Casein, maximal activity was at pH 9.5, with six protease forms visualised by gelatin‐PAGE. Synthetic substrates and diagnostic inhibitors demonstrated the presence of serine proteases. Chymostatin was a potent inhibitor of general proteolysis (90%), providing strong evidence for the presence of chymotrypsin; it also caused significant inhibition (>95%) with SA₂PFpNA as substrate. The I₅₀ values for chymostatin with casein and SA₂PFpNA were 0.0075 µM and 0.06 µM respectively. Z‐Phe‐Arg‐pNA activity was inhibited by chymostatin and TLCK (50 and 30% respectively), suggesting the presence of trypsin‐like activity. BApNA hydrolysis was also strongly inhibited by chymostatin and TLCK (92 and 75%), suggesting trypsin activity, while SBBI, PMSF, pepstatin and E‐64 had no significant effect. Interestingly, SBBI (I₅₀ = 0.39 µM ) and SBTI both inhibited general proteolysis by approximately 70%, suggesting that SBBI's dual inhibitory role makes this inhibitor a potentially useful candidate for expression in maize for control of B. fusca. CONCLUSION: These results provide a basis for the rational design of insect‐resistant transgenic maize expressing protease inhibitors. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Fumigant toxicity of volatile natural products from Korean spices and medicinal plants towards the rice weevil,Sitophilus oryzae (L)

The fumigant toxicity of various volatile constituents of essential oils extracted from sixteen Korean spices and medicinal plants towards the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae L (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), was determined. The most potent toxicity was found in the essential oil from Mentha arvensis L var piperascens (LC₅₀ = 45.5 µl litre^?1 air). GC–MS analysis of essential oil from M arvensis showed it to be rich in menthol (63.2%), menthone (13.1%) and limonene (1.5%), followed in abundance by β‐pinene (0.7%), α‐pinene (0.6%) and linalool (0.2%). Treatment of S oryzae with each of these terpenes showed menthone to be most active (LC₅₀ = 12.7 µl litre^?1 air) followed by linalool (LC₅₀ = 39.2 µl litre^?1 air) and α‐pinene (LC₅₀ = 54.9 µl litre^?1 air). Studies on inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity of S oryzae showed menthone to have a nine‐fold lower inhibitory effect than menthol, despite menthone being 8.1‐fold more toxic than menthol to the rice weevil. Different modes of toxicity of these monoterpenes towards S oryzae are discussed. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis and structure–activity relationships of carbohydrazides and 1,3,4‐oxadiazole derivatives bearing an imidazolidine moiety against the yellow fever and dengue vector,Aedes aegypti

BACKGROUND

1,3,4‐Oxadiazole and imidazolidine rings are important heterocyclic compounds exhibiting a variety of biological activities. In this study, novel compounds with oxadiazole and imidazolidine rings were synthesized from 3‐(methylsulfonyl)‐2‐oxoimidazolidine‐1‐carbonyl chloride and screened for insecticidal activities. The proposed structures of the 17 synthesized compounds were confirmed using elemental analysis, infrared (IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H‐NMR), and mass spectroscopy.

RESULTS

None of the compounds showed larvicidal activity at the tested concentrations against first‐instar Aedes aegypti larvae. However, nine compounds exhibited promising adulticidal activity, with mortality rates of ≥80% at 5 µg per mosquito. Further dose–response bioassays were undertaken to determine median lethal dose (LD₅₀) values. Compounds 1 , 2b , 2c , 2d , 2 g , 3b , 3c , 3 g, and 3 h were effective, with typical LD₅₀ values of about 5 ? 10 µg per mosquito against female Ae. aegypti. Compounds 2c (bearing a nitro group on the aromatic ring; LD₅₀ = 2.80 ± 0.54 µg per mosquito) and 3 h ( double halogen groups at 2,4 position on the phenyl ring; LD₅₀ = 2.80 ± 0.54 µg per mosquito) were the most promising compounds.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary mode of action studies failed to show consistent evidence of either neurotoxic or mitochondria‐directed effects. Further chemical synthesis within this series may lead to the development of new effective insecticides. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry

     

Extracellular self-DNA plays a role as a damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) delaying zoospore germination rate and inducing stress-related responses in Phytophthora capsici

Phytophthora capsici is a highly destructive pathogen of crops. Although chemical pesticides are the most widely used strategy to counter phytopathogens, they have been inefficient to combat P. capsici and have produced significant environmental and health problems. Therefore, sustainable alternatives to control soilborne pathogens, such as the inhibitory effect of self-extracellular DNA (eDNA), have been proposed. This inhibition phenomenon has been attributed to the action of self-eDNA as a damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP). Here, we describe the effect of self-eDNA on P. capsici zoospore germination rate, antioxidant enzymes activity and MAPK gene expression. Also, the effect of P. capsici eDNA on the protection of chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants against P. capsici was investigated. The results highlight that P. capsici can sense 2–500 µg/ml self-eDNA and induce stress-related responses like SAK1 gene expression, and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Moreover, in vitro zoospore germination rate was suppressed with self-eDNA concentrations ranging from 50 to 500 µg/ml. Interestingly, drench applications of P. capsici eDNA at 60 and 100 µg/ml on chilli pepper plants did not show any protective effect against the phytopathogen, whereas 2 µg/ml of P. capsici eDNA drench application showed a lower percentage of plants with symptoms and lower disease severity. Moreover, phenols and total flavonoids were increased in chilli pepper plants, therefore inducing plant immunity. This study showed that self-eDNA acts as a DAMP in P. capsici and provides insight into the use of eDNA for the protection of crops of agronomic interest.     

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     

中黑盲蝽人工饲料的初步研究

利用鸡蛋、黄豆粉、啤酒酵母、蜂蜜等配制了中黑盲蝽的半人工饲料,在每天光照16 h(30℃、RH80%)和黑暗8 h(25℃、RH90%)的光周期条件下连续饲养中黑盲蝽3代,其中第3代平均每雌产卵量达172粒。在人工饲养条件下,中黑盲蝽的卵期为(10.92±0.37)d、若虫期(19.83±0.31)d、成虫期(22.42±0.42)d、产卵前期(7.83±0.31)d。     

Comparative acute toxicity of neonicotinoid and pyrethroid insecticides to non‐target crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) associated with rice–crayfish crop rotations

BACKGROUND: Most insecticides used to control rice water weevil (Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuscel) infestations are pyrethroids. However, pyrethroids are highly toxic to non‐target crayfish associated with rice–crayfish crop rotations. One solution to the near‐exclusive reliance on pyrethroids in a rice–crayfish pest management program is to incorporate neonicotinoid insecticides, which are insect specific and effective against weevils but not extremely toxic to crayfish. This study aimed to take the first step to assess neonicotinoids as alternatives to pyrethroids in rice–crayfish crop rotations by measuring the acute toxicities of three candidate neonicotinoid insecticides, clothianidin, dinotefuran and thiamethoxam, to juvenile Procambarus clarkii (Girard) crayfish and comparing them with the acute toxicities of two currently used pyrethroid insecticides, lambda‐cyhalothrin and etofenprox. RESULTS: Neonicotinoid insecticides are at least 2–3 orders of magnitude less acutely toxic (96 h LC₅₀) than pyrethroids to juvenile Procambarid crayfish: lambda‐cyhalothrin (0.16 µg AI L^?1) = etofenprox (0.29 µg AI L^?1) ? clothianidin (59 µg AI L^?1) > thiamethoxam (967 µg AI L^?1) > dinotefuran (2032 µg AI L^?1). CONCLUSION: Neonicotinoid insecticides appear to be much less hazardous alternatives to pyrethroids in rice–crayfish crop rotations. Further field‐level neonicotinoid acute and chronic toxicity testing with crayfish is needed. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry