Evaluation of resistance to different insecticides in field strains of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract Susceptibility of field populations of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from Punjab, Pakistan to selected insecticides was evaluated using the leaf dip method. The resistance factors varied between populations. The general trends were low to moderate resistance to endosulfan; very low to low resistance to chlorpyrifos and profenofos; very low resistance to spinosad, indoxacarb and thiodicarb; moderate to high resistance to bifenthrin; high to very high resistance to cypermethrin; and very high resistance to lambda‐cyhalothrin. Integrated pest management strategies aimed at reducing pesticide application, such as rotating the conventional insecticides having low resistance with newly developed synthetic insecticides and conserving natural enemies, are recommended.