Azadirachtin: Potential use for controlling lepidopterous insects and increasing marketability of cabbage
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abstract
Azadirachtin (ATI), an insect growth regulator derived from extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) seed, was evaluated for the control of cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni Hubner), diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella L.), and silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia argentifolii Bellows and Perring) in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. Capitata Group) grown in southwestern Texas. In Fall 1992, ATI was tested with the a.i. at 0, 22, 33 and 44 gha1. In 1993, ATI was evaluated at 33 gha1 and in combination with M-Pede (1%, v/v), an organic insecticide based on potassium salts of fatty acids at 49%. Two commercial (Align and Neemix) and one experimental hydrogenated (LDF) ATI formulations were evaluated at 11 gha1 in 1994. Insect populations were monitored weekly before and after treatment application. Plant damage was evaluated immediately before harvest, and marketable yields were determined. In 1992, large (>6 mm long) and total cabbage looper counts were reduced by ATI compared with the nontreated control. Insect mortality was similar for all ATI rates tested in 1992. In 1993, ATI at 33 gha1 + M-Pede reduced the number of cabbage looper and diamondback moth larvae. ATI efficacy against cabbage looper and diamondback moth was enhanced when crop oil (polyol fatty acid esters with polyethoxylated derivatives) was tank-mixed with Align or LDF formulations in 1994. ATI did not reduce the number of silverleaf whitefly nymphs compared to the control. In all seasons, ATI-treated plants had lower insect-induced plant damage and higher marketable head weights than the nontreated control. Using ATI on lepidopterous pests appears to be beneficial for integrated pest management strategies.
