Comparative efficacy of microbial and chemical insecticides on four major lepidopterous pests of cotton and their (insect) natural enemies

Abstract

Three microbial (biotrol, dipel and thuricide) and three chemical insecticides (monocrotophos, 
endosulfan and carbaryl) were compared for efficacy on four major lepidopterans and their natural 
enemies in replicated field trials at Moor Plantation, Ibadan. Thuricide was evaluated at different 
combinations with monocrotophos in a second trial. The results showed that the microbials caused the 
mortalities of destructive bollworms and leafroller but allowed the survival of their natural enemies. The 
chemicals on the other hand caused mortalities of both destructive and useful species. Both groups of 
insecticides enhanced seed cotton yields. Application of thuricide followed by monocrotophos was 
better than other combinations evaluated