1Division of Entomology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012 (India).
2Division of Agricultural Physics, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012 (India).
*Present address: Associate Professor, Department of Entomology, Agricultural College, Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University, Bapatla-522 101, Andhra Pradesh (India).
The effect of diflubenzuron on the capacitance of insect cuticle of Schistocerca gregaria Forskal, was investigated. A special cylindrical teflon sample holder was designed to measure capacitance with the help of L.C.R. bridge. Treatment with diflubenzuron signiflcantiy increased the capacitance of the cuticle in adult males from the 1st day onwards after moulting. In the case of adult females, signiflcant increase in capacitance of the cuticle was recorded from the 4th day onwards after moulting. There was a gradual decrease in capacitance from the time after moulting. Adult males recorded lower capacitance values continuously than the females. This was true for both diflubenzuron treated and solvent treated insects.
