IMPACT OF COMBINED ACTION OF NEEM AND ALLIUM SATIVUM OIL ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF CORCYRA CEPHALONICA (LEPIDOPTERA: PYRALIDAE)

*M. Madhavi

ABSTRACT

Combined action of Neem and Allium oil causes a sharp reduction in the morphogenesis and ovarian development of Corcyra cephalonica (Lepidoptera:Pyralidae). When freshly moulted IV and V instar larvae of Corcyra cephalonica were treated with different concentrations of Neem and Allium oil affected the mortality, moulting and metamorphosis variedly. The combined action of oils was found to suppress the population of pests at higher dosages, while lower dosages were found to induce several developmental defects. Thus, it is evident that the influence of oils on Corcyra cephalonica, resulted in, varied morphogenetic and ovarian deformities ruling out the possibility of further propagation of the stored pest.

Keywords: Corcyra cephalonica, Lepidoptera:Pyralidae.