Antiappetizing and Repellent Effect of Biopesticides ASTOUN 50 EC and NECO 50 EC on Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) under in vitro Conditions

Abstract

This study is part of the search for means and methods of sustainable control of Eldana saccharina, the main pest of sugarcane cultivation in Côte d'Ivoire. Despite efforts to control the pest through the selection of resistant varieties, the cultivation of healthy cuttings and the elimination of alternative host plants, the damage, which is already economically significant, continues to increase in the sugarcane-growing areas of Côte d'Ivoire. This study aims to evaluate the effect of two proven biopesticides, ASTOUN 50 EC and NECO 50 EC, on the palatability of E. saccharina larvae and adults. Firstly, different ages of larvae were reared on two nutrient media such as artificial medium and natural medium treated with increasing concentrations of the two biopesticides. 14, 21 and 28 days old larvae were incubated and changes in larval palatability were assessed over a 5-day period. The concentrations of biopesticides tested were 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 10 ml/l. In addition, the repellent effect of the biopesticides on the adults was assessed using the preferential zone method. The results showed that the biopesticide ASTOUN 50 EC is highly antiappetizing for larvae and repellent for adults of E. saccharina, unlike NECO 50 EC. It also greatly reduced the rate of oviposition in the treated compartments. This biopesticide can be tested in vivo for use against Eldana saccharina.