Effect of insecticides on predatory assassin bug, Sycanus collaris (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Abstract

Six insecticides were evaluated for their toxicity against nymphs and adults of assassin bug, Sycanus collaris (Fab.) through contact and stomach mode. The studies revealed that emamectin benzoate (0.4g/L), chlorantraniliprole (0.25ml/L), flubendiamide (0.25 ml/L) and thiamethoxam (0.25 g/L) were considered as relatively safer insecticides for all the nymphal instars and adults of S. collaris. Fenazaquin (1.25ml/L) and quinalphos (2ml/L) caused higher mortality (85-100%) in all the stages of S. collaris. The higher mortality observed in nymphs and relatively lesser mortality rate of adults indicate that the application of the chemical should not be carried out immediately after the release of nymphal instars of S. collaris and adult releases would be ideal in Integrated Pest Management (IPM).