Evaluation of <I>Azadirachtin</I> Against Immature Stages of <I>Myllocerus viridanus</I> Fab. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) , a Pest of Primary Tasar Food Plants

Abstract

Myllocerus viridanus Fab. (commonly known as Ash weevil) is a serious pest affecting wide range of plant species including Terminalia arjuna Bedd. and T. tomentosa W&A , which are primary food plants of tasar silkworm , Antheraea mylitta D. (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae). Azadirachtin was evaluated for its insecticidal and growth inhibitory effects against final ins tar grubs of M. viridanus. Grubs feeding on roots of T. arjuna embedded in Azadirachtin treated soil resulted in mortality and manifestation of various degree of growth disruption in pupal and adult stages in a dose - dependant manner.