Reproductive potential of ecdysone hormone in rice-moth, Corcyra cephalonica Staint. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The present study was designed and conducted to evaluate the influence of methoxyfenozide on the reproductive potential of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th instars larvae, as a safe and suitable alternative for the conventional organic insecticide. Results showed that the highest concentration i.e. 15 ppm of methoxyfenozide caused maximum reduction in fecundity i.e. 118.43 ± 6.08 eggs laid/ female and hatchability i.e. 31.52 ± 1.18% when both males and females were crossed emerged from treated culture in case of 1st instar exposed larvae. Such pairs showed maximum sterility also when emerged from 15 ppm concentration of food in 1st instar exposure. Fecundity, fertility and sterility comparatively decreased in 2nd, 3rd and 4thinstar larvae due to their comparatively poor exposure duration. Such knowledge may offcourse be beneficial for the effective control of rice-moth in particular and lepidopterous pest in general in eco-friendly way.