Impaired adult performance and reproductive potential of the pink bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) by the chitin synthesis inhibitor, Novaluron

The present study was conducted to investigate the disruptive effects of Novaluron on the adult performance and reproductive potential of the pink bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). The newly hatched larvae were treated with four sublethal concentrations (1.0, 0.5, 0.1 & 0.05 ppm) and full grown larvae were treated with five sublethal concentrations (5.0, 1.0, 0.5, 0.1 & 0.05 ppm) of Novaluron. The adult emergence was drastically blocked, after treatment of full grown larvae and Novaluron exhibited, also, a considerable adulticidal effect. The adult morphogenesis had not been affected, regardless the larval instar under treatment. The pre-oviposition period was prolonged but the oviposition period was shortened, regardless the larval instar under treatment. The post-oviposition period was diversely affected, depending on the concentration. The total adult longevity was slightly prolonged, at the lowest concentration, but slightly shortened, at the higher concentrations. Regardless the larval instar under treatment, Novaluron drastically prohibited the oviposition efficiency. Also, both fecundity and fertility had been tremendously reduced. The incubation period was slightly or remarkably prolonged. Therefore, Novaluron may be a potential IGR being involved in the integrated pest management program against this insect pest which has developed resistance to the majority of conventional insecticides.