Effectiveness of a formulation based on Indoxacarb 120 g/l + flonicamid 200 g/l (SC) in controlling sucking biting insects and carpophagous Lepidoptera larvae of cotton in Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

An invasion of jassids has been observed on cotton plants in Côte d'Ivoire during the 2022-2023 season. Insecticides used in plant protection programs were unable to stop damages caused by these pests. The goal of this survey was to assess a formulation based on the flonicamid + indoxacarb combination, in order to include it in protection programs. The test has been realized from June up to December, during the 2023-2024 cotton campaign. The scientific mechanism is in Fisher block design, with 5 objects and 4 replicates. The seeds has been settled in holes separated by 0.80 m among lines and 0.30 m on the same lines. Three doses (187.5 ml/ha, 250 ml/ha and 375 ml/ha) were tested. Six (6) treatments spaced 14 days apart were realized. Surveys were realized by recording the number of individuals on 30 plants per elementary plot taken in groups of 5 plants consecutively on the 8 central lines. Observations were made for the main sucking pests (jassids, aphids and whiteflies) and carpophagous caterpillars (Earias species, Helicoverpa armigera and Diparopsis watersi). The results show a good control of the formulation tested on all the target pests, with significant variations in the activity of the product depending on the insect species. Concerning sucking pests, the level of jassid and aphid infestation was significantly reduced by the three doses tested, compared with the reference product and the untreated control. The indoxacarb + flonicamid formulation proved effective against H. armigera, Earias spp. and D. watersi larvae at all three doses tested. It is therefore an ideal alternative for controlling cotton pests in Côte d'Ivoire.