Optimization of using pesticide deltamethrin against Galleria mellonella by response surface method in laboratory conditions

The Greater Wax moth, Galleria mellonella Lin. is one of the most important pests of stored products and beehives. Chemical pesticides are used for its control. Inappropriate using of pesticides caused serious environmental problems and also chronic effects on human health. Pest damage is reduced by the optimum use of these materials. The purpose of optimum use is selection of the correct pattern and applying appropriate methods for use of toxins. So in this study response surface method was used in order to determine optimal points to achieve maximum mortality with minimum dosage. The effect of factors such as temperature (25-35 °C), humidity (70-80 %) and the dosage (200-500 µL) on the mortality of fifth instar larvae of greater wax moth was evaluated. The experiments were performed according to Central Composite Design. Using the method, the maximum mortality was determined 7.6 fifth instar larvae of greater wax moth at 25 °C, humidity 70% and 200 μl of deltamethrin in 1000 ml of water. The result showed that temperature and dosage had significant effect on mortality of fifth instar larvae of Greater Wax moth.