Biosafety evaluation of selected synthetic and botanical pesticides on the life parameters of zigzag ladybird beetle, (Menochilus sexmaculatus)

This study examines the effects of propiconazole, thiamethoxam, flonicamid, dinotifuron, castor oil and neem extract on the zigzag ladybird beetle (Menochilus sexmaculatus). Three application techniques were used in the study: topical (applied directly to the beetle), dietary (added to its diet) and residual (applied to surfaces the beetle may come into contact with). Over the course of ten days, the beetles were kept in carefully monitored circumstances and subjected to five distinct concentrations of each therapy. Three replications and a CRD were used to guarantee the validity of the results. The researchers evaluated the beetle mortality rates and contrasted the effects of natural therapies (castor oil and neem extract) with those of synthetic pesticides (propiconazole, flonicamid, dinotifuron and thiamethoxam). The results showed that the synthetic pesticides caused the beetles to die at higher rates, with propiconazole, flonicamid, dinotifuron and thiamethoxam being particularly damaging despite their high effectiveness. On the other hand, castor oil and neem extract caused less deaths, suggesting a safer profile for beneficial insects. In conclusion, synthetic pesticides are effective in controlling pests, but they also harm non-target insects like ladybirds. Natural alternatives provide a more environmentally acceptable way to protect beneficial insect populations, even though they are less deadly to pests. This study emphasizes how important it is to choose pest management methods carefully in order to strike a balance between ecological safety and efficacy in farming operations.