The effect of botanical pesticide Azadirachtin and its combination with Henna on bux moth, Cydalima perspectalis Walker (Lep.: Crambidae)

The bux moth, Cydalima perspectalis Walker (Lep.: Crambidae), has been identified as the most severe pest of the genus Buxus in the world. It became highly invasive and destructive on Buxus hyrcana in Iran's Northern Forests. This study aimed to investigate the effect of pest mortality using safe biorational compounds (Neem Azal®, Matrin®, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt -k), and Dayabon). Experiments were performed in a completely randomized design and were evaluated on second-instar larvae of C. perspectalis under laboratory conditions (27±1̊C, 65±10 R.H., and 16:8 L: D). At first, the mortality rate of the desired concentrations of each component with control (water) was analyzed in six replications after 24, 48, and 72 h. Results indicated that among the botanical insecticides, two compounds, Neem Azal® and Matrin®, had an excellent ability to control the pest, and their effective concentrations were 1L/1000L and 750cc/1000L, respectively. It is generally recommended to use biological pesticides with thorough research and understanding of their side effects due to forest ecosystems.