Lethal and Sublethal Effects of Selected Systemic and Contact Insecticides on Nephaspis oculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), in a Tri-Trophic System

Matrine can be absorbed and transmitted bidirectionally to defend against aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on wheat and pepper

BACKGROUND

Although matrine is widely used, its absorption and transport mechanisms in crops remain unexplored. In this study, three methods including foliar application, hydroponics and seed immersion were used to investigate whether matrine molecules could enter into plants through different channels, and to further resolve its transport characteristics. The systemic activity of matrine also was evaluated.

RESULT

Matrine was quickly absorbed and transported downwards after the leaves of wheat or peppers were treated, and also accumulated and transmitted upwards by roots. It was not only absorbed by seeds, but also appeared continuously in young roots and leaves in both plants for nearly 20 days. There were some differences in the uptake and conduction of matrine between pepper and wheat: matrine concentrated in pepper upper leaves with less delivered downwards to roots than in wheat, and also transduction of matrine in pepper lower leaves upwards to upper leaves was less than in wheat. Matrine had systemic activity, with LC50 of 361.99 and 904.24 μg·mL-1 against Rhopalosiphum padib on wheat and Myzus persicae (Sulzer) on pepper plants at 48 h, separately.

CONCLUSION

Matrine can be absorbed by the roots, seeds and leaves of plants, and transmitted bidirectionally to any organs, presenting satisfactory systemic poisoning activity against aphids. It is of great significance to develop new formulation products of matrine and promote its commercialized value. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Toxicity, Sublethal and Low Dose Effects of Imidacloprid and Deltamethrin on the Aphidophagous Predator Ceratomegilla undecimnotata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Simple Summary

Chemical insecticides are used to control agricultural pests all over the world. However, extensive use of chemical insecticides can be harmful to human health and negatively impact the environment and biological control agents. We studied the toxicity and sublethal effects of imidacloprid and deltamethrin on the aphidophagous coccinellid predator Ceratomegilla undecimnotata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). We evaluated one low (LD₃₀) and one sublethal dose (LD₁₀) for both insecticides. Lethal and sublethal effects of both insecticides negatively affected survival, development, reproduction, and longevity, and reduced the intrinsic (r) and finite (λ) rate of increase and the net reproduction rate (R₀) of treated populations compared to the control. Our findings indicate that the use of imidacloprid and deltamethrin in combination with C. undecimnotata in the context of IPM should be taken with caution due to the toxic effects of the chemicals in the biocontrol agent under laboratory conditions.

Abstract

Ceratomegilla undecimnotata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a common aphidophagous coccinellid predator used in biological control against aphid pests. Knowing toxicity, lethal, and sublethal effects of insecticides on natural enemies is essential in order to incorporate them into Integrated Pest Management (IPM). In the present study, the lethal and sublethal effects of imidacloprid and deltamethrin were evaluated on the fourth instar larvae of C. undecimnotata and subsequently on the full life cycle. Our results strongly suggest that sublethal and low doses of imidacloprid and deltamethrin at LD₁₀ and LD₃₀ affected fourth instar larvae duration time, adult preoviposition period, total preoviposition period, and fecundity. Moreover, the intrinsic (r) and finite (λ) rate of increase and the net reproduction rate (R₀) significantly decreased in populations treated with imidacloprid compared to the control population. The data clearly suggest that imidacloprid and deltamethrin have a negative influence on population growth parameters of C. undecimnotata at sublethal and low doses and, therefore, these insecticides should be used with caution within the context of IPM.