Chlorantraniliprole: A novel pesticide against lepidopteran predators of lac insect Kerria lacca (Kerr) Singh J. P.1, Jaiswal A. K. Pest Management Laboratory Transfer of Technology Division, ICAR-Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums, Ranchi, 834010 1Present Address: Division of Entomology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110 012, Email: jpsingh1258@gmail.com Online published on 23 October, 2018. Abstract Crop protection plays a significant role in safeguarding productivity against insect pests. Likewise treatment of broodlac (seed material) is the starting point for achieving sustained lac production. Broodlac happen to be the major source of pest infestation on new lac crops. Laboratory and field experiments were conducted to investigate the biosafety of chlorantraniliprole against lac insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr) and find out its efficacy against key lepidopteran predators by dipping broodlac in insecticide solutions for 5, 10 and 15 min duration. Seven concentrations of chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC formulation, ranging from 0.001% (0.05 ml L−1) to 0.0111% (0.6 ml L−1) were evaluated. Chlorantraniliprole did not show any detrimental effect on survival and settlement of 2nd instars larvae and adult female, as significant difference was not observed between treatments and control, indicating its biosafety. Treatment of broodlac with chlorantraniliprole showed pronounced effect on reduction of key lepidopteran predators viz., Eublemma amabilis (Noctuidae) and Pseudohypatopa pulverea (Blastobasidae). The treatment of rangeeni broodlac with 0.0037% concentration (0.2 ml L−1 water) for 5 min or 0.0020% (0.1 ml L−1 water) for 10–15 min duration was effective in reducing the population of E. amabilis and P. pulverea. Whereas, treatment of kusmi broodlac with 0.0056% (0.3 ml L−1 water) for 5 min dipping or with 0.0037% for 10–15 min dipping provided effective suppression of these predators. Thus treatment of broodlac prior to inoculation with chlorantraniliprole is our excellent addition to the IPM for managing the predators’ population harbored in broodlac. This study confirms the potential for use of chlorantraniliprole in lac culture for control of lepidopteran predators. Top Keywords Chlorantraniliprole, Kerria lacca, broodlac, Eublemma amabilis, Pseudohypatopa pulverea. Top |