Studies on the Effect of Herbicide, Imazethapyr on Population Loss Percentage of Natural Enemies in Established Alfalfa Farms in Iran

Abstract

The current study evaluated the ill-effects of different doses of an herbicide i.e. Imazethapyr on the population density of some natural enemies such as ladybug, earwig and Carabid beetles. The experiment was carried out on weed-infested established alfalfa farms for the two consecutive growing seasons i.e. spring and summer during 2014–2015. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with eight treatments and four replications. The results showed that heavy doses application of Imazethapyrhas badly affected lady beetle, earwig and carabid beetle population, until one week after spraying. Severe losses were observed as Incrementally with high doses of Imazethapyr; therefore, it is important not to exceed the recommended, standard dose (0.5 L/ha).