Department of Plant Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4.
*Present address: Regional Research Laboratory, Canal Road, Jammu, 180011, India.
Online published on 3 November, 2011.
The effects of RH 5849 on the dietary utilization, growth and development of the variegated cutworm, Peridroma saucia have been examined. When incorporated in artificial diet or administered topically, RH 5849 reduced relative consumption and growth rates of larvae, but there were no significant effects on dietary utilization or digestibility. Injection of the candidate compound into sixth instar larvae at 6 ug/g led to the rapid onset of hyperactivity followed by paralysis and death after 48 hours, particularly in d-0 and d-l-old larvae; thus causing neurotoxic symptoms. This neurotoxic mode of action can help delay or prevent resistance development in insects. Simultaneous administration of juvenile hormones I and II could not prevent the deleterious effects of RH-5849. Toxicological effects of RH-5849 unrelated to the moulting process are discussed.
