Effect of lufenuron, diflubenzuron and novaluron on growth and development of Spodoptera litura

The bioassay studies showed that benzoyl phenyl ureas viz., lufenuron, diflubenzuron and novaluron inhibited the feeding in third instar larvae of Spodoptera litura significantly. There was significant reduction in the larval weight and larval and pupal periods prolonged. The percentage of pupation, normal pupae and normal adults were significantly reduced. It is concluded that lufenuron can be effectively used against polyphagous insect pests like S. litura for its Insect Growth Regulatory (IGR) effects like prolongation of larval and pupal periods, formation of larval-pupal intermediates, adultoids and chitin inhibition.