Systemic effects of a neem insecticide on larvae

In an effort to expand the spectrum of larvicides effective against the pea leafminer, (Blanchard), we studied the effects of a neem-based insecticide (Neemix-45) on the development of the leafminer under laboratory conditions. Bean plants were treated with a soil drench of 1, 5, 10 or 25 ppm azadirachtin or by dipping leaves in 1 or 15 ppm azadirachtin at various times before or during the development of the leafminer. Treating the plants with the neem insecticide before exposure to egg-laying adults had a greater effect on inhibiting the development of pupae and adult eclosion than treatment at the 1st-instar larval stage. The systemic effects from a soil drench had a greater adverse effect on pupation and adult eclosion than leaf dipping. Drenching plants with 1 ppm azadirachtin 24 h before exposure to adults had a greater effect (0% adult eclosion) than leaf dipping at the same time period and concentration (15. 6% adult eclosion). Similar results were obtained when drenching plants infested with lst-instar larvae with 1 ppm azadirachtin (11. 7% eclosion) dipping leaves at the same time period and concentration (44. 7% eclosion).