Are the biopesticide neem oil and the predator Ceraeochrysa claveri (Navás, 1911) compatible ?

Abstract

Pesticide exposure can result in side effects on natural enemies, making their use impracticable for biological control in agroecosystems. The search for more selective pesticides to minimize the effects on these beneficial organisms is necessary, and among the alternatives, we emphasize the increased use of biopesticides, e.g., neem oil (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) (Meliaceae), which is derived from one of the plants among most widely used globally. To determine the compatibility of neem oil with predatory insects in integrated pest management, we evaluated the lethal and sublethal effects on the postembryonic development of the lacewing Ceraeochrysa claveri (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) after neem oil ingestion in the larval instars at a concentration of 0.5%, 1% and 2%. Among the measured biological parameters, we highlighted the accumulated mortality (20.0%, 8.0% and 24.0%; respectively), extension of the larval instars and the significant effects on reproduction (fecundity, fertility and egg viability) were observed for all evaluated doses. In laboratory conditions, the predatory lacewing C. claveri and the biopesticide neem oil were not compatible.