Response of Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) and entomophagous arthropods to some granular and new chemistry formulations in Zea mays L.

Comparative efficacy of granular (Carbofuran, cartap and monomehypo) and new chemistry foliar insecticides (Chlorantraniliprole, fipronil, spinosad and flubendiamide) was evaluated against C. partellus. Effect of insecticides on entomophagous arthropods (coccinellids and spiders species) was also focused in maize (cultivar: AAS-9732). Maximum mortality was observed in carbofuran and fipronil i.e. 89.3±11.13 and 80.9±7.98 adults of C. partellus per five plants due to carbofuran and fipronil respectively. Minimum loss was recorded in carbofuran and fipronil treatments viz. minimum number of dead hearts i.e. 0.1±0.12 and 0.20±0.00 were found in carbofuran and fipronil treated plots respectively. Systemic nature of these broad-spectrum insecticides (carbofuran and fipronil) has significantly enhanced their toxicity. However the problem with these insecticides was significantly higher mortality of natural enemies in these treatments. Concluding, relatively safer and targeted insecticides like spinosad should be included in integrated pest management program to allow natural enemies to flourish well. Additionally, research should be conducted to explore targeted safer insecticides.