Azadirachtine maruz kalan Achroia grisella (Fabricius, 1794) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvalarında ölüm oranı, gelişim biyolojisi ve hücresel bağışıklık tepkileri

Azadirachtin, obtained from neem trees, can be a robust alternative to synthetic pesticides for the control of agricultural pests with no resistance problems. Azadirachtin-induced influences on mortality, life history traits and cellular immunity indicators of the lesser wax moth Achroia grisella (Fabricius, 1794) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) were evaluated. The experiments were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions at Balıkesir University. The topical application of azadirachtin gave an LD50 of 0.02 mg/ml whereas the PD50 (deaths without pupation) was 0.05 mg/ml. The prolongation of the larval stage and adult emergence time was significantly increased at 0.05 mg/ml and 0.1 mg/ml while the duration of the pupal stage was only significant at 0.1 mg/ml. Adult emergence ratios and longevity were reduced at all doses. Topical application of azadirachtin caused a marked decrease in the number of circulating hemocyte counts and spreading ability 24 and 48 h after treatment, however, the variations in plasmatocyte and granulocyte counts were not significant. Although azadirachtin has potential effects in the control of A. grisella, its effects on biological control agents such as parasitoids and predators must be determined to recommend its safe use in agroecosystems.