Effect of Field Recommended Rates of Emamectin Benzoate and Spinosad on Biological Parameters of Green Lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neu: Chrysopidae) under Laboratory Conditions

The common green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) is known as an important biological control agent. In this study, the effects of field recommended concentrations of emamectin benzoate and spinosad were evaluated on the biological parameters of C. carnea. Bioassay tests were done on second instar larvae of green lacewing by contact residue method at 26±1 , 70±5% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 h. (L:D) The results showed that the tested insecticides at recommended field concentration had negligible toxicity on second instar larvae of green lacewing and according to IOBC standard method, emamectin benzoate and spinosad were classified as harmless. Fifty and 240 mg a.i./l of emametin benzoate and spinosad (twice recommended field concentration) increased larval duration by 7.7 and 15.5 % and pupal duration by 7.6 and 11.4 % compared with control, respectively. These insecticides increased larval mortality rate significantly compared with control but they did not affect pupal mortality rate. Fecundity, fertility and adult longevity were not affected significantly by tested insecticides compared with control. Results showed that tested insecticides had low adverse effects on the green lacewing. Therefore, the tested insecticides and green lacewing as biological control agent can be used in integrated pest management programs.