Andalin as An Effective Insect Growth Inhibitor against Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a chitin synthesis inhibitor, Andalin (Flucycloxuron) on the development and mortality of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius). Freshly moulted 6th instar larvae were topically treated with 2 μl of six concentrations (0.1%, 0.05%, 0.025%, 0.01%, 0.005% and 0.0025%) of Andalin in solvent acetone. All the six concentrations of Andalin were found to be toxic against S. litura in either causing mortality or malformation during development. Larval mortality, inhibition of ecdysis, formation of larval-pupal mosaics, pupal mortality and non-viable adults were the important morphogenetic abnormalities observed. The LC50 and LC90 values of Andalin against sixth instar larvae of S.litura after 24 hrs of the treatment were found to be 0.42% and 0.79% respectively. Thus, Andalin being an effective insect growth and metamorphosis inhibitor could be included in the integrated programmes for the management of S. litura and other insect pests.