Lethal and sublethal effects of chlorantraniliprole on Helicoverpa armigera adults enhance the potential for use in 'attract-and-kill' control strategies.

Background: The integrated use of plant-derived volatile attractants and synthetic insecticides in attract-and-kill programs could provide a basis for selective and environmentally-acceptable pest management strategies with applicability for use against multiple pests. Ryanoid insecticide, chlorantraniliprole, has been found to present a potential for use in attract-and-kill strategies against the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera, however lethal and sublethal effects on the adults have not been investigated yet. Results: Laboratory trials showed how chlorantraniliprole was active against H. armigera adults, with respective lethal concentration LC₂₀ and LC₅₀ values of 0.010 and 0.036 mg L^-1. Following exposure to a low lethal concentration (LC₂₀) and LC₅₀, mating rate, fecundity and longevity of both H. armigera sexes were substantially reduced. Egg hatching was lowered 2- and 5-fold in LC₂₀- and LC₅₀-treated H. armigera pairs, respectively. When exposed to LC₅₀ of chlorantraniliprole, the net reproduction rate (R₀), intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) were reduced when compared to control treatments. Significantly lower effects were observed on the subsequent development and growth of H. armigera in subsequent generations. Following adult exposure to the two concentrations tested, no effects were observed on detoxification enzymes i.e., carboxyl esterase (CarE), glutathione S-transferase (GST) or mixed function oxidase (MFOs). Conclusions: Chlorantraniliprole concentrations could lower H. armigera adult survival and reproduction, and the LC₅₀ showed high potential for being used to control H. armigera through attract-and-kill schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]