Efficacy and sublethal effects of imidacloprid on the survival and fecundity of Aulacophora Foveicollis (lucas) (Coleoptera Chrysomelidae)

The lethal and sublethal effects of imidacloprid were determined against the red pumpkin beetle, Aulacophora foveicollis (Lucas) (Coleopterea: Chrysomelidae). In a bioassay experiment, six varying concentrations of imidacloprid and a control were applied to the adults. The median lethal concentration (LC50) was determined to be 0.005 mg a.i. L-1. Assuming at this level of concentration to be sublethal, i.e. LC50 value, imidacloprid was found to significantly exert harmful sublethal effects on the beetle’s survival and fecundity. Compared to the control, imidacloprid reduced the longevity of the treated beetle by 29 days and the fecundity to zero. This study showed that imidacloprid was ovicidal against A. foveicollis and might not induce physiological resurgence or resistance in the red pumpkin beetle.