Screening of Chemical Insecticides for the Development of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid-based Attracticides for the Management of Z onocerus variegatus

摘要

Current research has shown that derivatives of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) from the dry chopped roots of Chromolaena odorata (Asteraceae) are effective lures for Z. variegatus . Bioassays on the effect of a developed PA-based attracticides on 4th instar nymphs of Z. variegatus were conducted in the laboratory with a completely randomized design. The PA-source was the dry roots of C. odorata . The PA-attracticides evaluated comprised 300 g each of dry roots of C. odorata poisoned with three dilutions each of three standard insecticides, Carbofuran? 3G, Perfekthion? 40 EC and Karate? 2.5 EC, each with control treatment without attracticide. The insects were exposed to cassava (serving as feed) and the PA-attracticides in choice tests. The effects of the Carbofuran? 3G based PA-attracticides in knocking down Z. variegatus was concentration dependent while those of Perfekthion? 40 EC and Karate? 2.5 EC were not. The results showed that treating the dry chopped roots of C. odorata with as low as 0.5% w/v 3G Carbofuran derives an effective PA-based attracticide for the management of Z . variegatus . The results indicate that poisoning the dry roots of C. odorata could serve as a new management strategy for Z. variegatus . Here, the insect will be lured to its doom rather than spraying large hectares of infested fields with pesticides. On the other hand, the use of the dry roots of C. odorata as a lure will be contributing to the management of the weed which impacts negatively on agriculture and forestry.