Evaluation the toxicity of Neemarin® against larvae of the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella Zell. (Lep.: Pyralidae) and Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella Hübner (Lep.: Pyralidae)

Document Type : Research Paper

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Abstract

Concerns over health and environmental problems associated with using synthetic insecticides in storages, have led to an intensification of efforts to find safe, effective and viable alternatives. In this research, susceptibility of larvae ofEphestia kuehniella and Plodia interpunctella was investigated to neemarin. Probit analysis of concentration-mortality data was conducted to estimate the LC50. Our results showed that mortality of the both pests increased as concentration of the insecticide increased. Effectiveness of the insecticide against both pests was proportional to pesticide concentration and time of treatment. It was more effective in 14 than 7 days after treatments. The exposure time was comparatively increased neemarin efficacy against E. kuehniella more than P. interpunctella. In conclusion, susceptibility of both pests to neemarin was the same and relatively low. LC50s of E. kuehniella larvae after 7 and 14 days were 4252 and 2994 ppm, respectively and for P. interpunctella larvae were 4029 and 3581 ppm, respectively.

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