The influence of the biological insecticide Agreen and two growth regulators, Cascade and Insegar, on corn stalk borer Sesamia cretica Led. (Phalaenidae: Lepidoptera)

Abstract

Several studies were conducted to investigate the influence of Agreen (Bacillus thuringicasis agypti ) and the growth regulators, Cascade (Flufenoxuron) and Insegar (Fenoxycarb) on some biological aspects of corn stalk borer, Sesamia cretica Led. Results indicated no significant effect of Agreen on egg hatch. However an obvious reduction in hatching percentage was recorded for one day and four days old eggs treated with Cascade and Insegar.Hatching percentages were 64 and 69 % for one day and four days old eggs treated respectively with Cascade .The growth regulator Insegar resulted in 75 and 85 % of egg hatch for the two stages respectively .Results also showed that the susceptibility of first instar larvae was higher than that of the fourth instar larvae. The growth regulator Cascade showed highly influences on treated stages with percent of killing reached 81.5 and 82.1 % for 1st and 4th instar larvae respectively. A continous effects were also recorded on subsequent stages originated from individuals treated with Agreen and growth regulators.These include; delayed larval and pupal development, increased pupae and adults deformations.and reduced adults longevity and females fecundity. However, females originated from larvae treated with the growth regulators failed to lay any egg and died shortly after emergence. Results of this study will hopfully improve the management system for the control of corn stalk borer.