Biochemical side effects of some commercial biocides on cotton leafworm

Abstract

The objective of the present work was to evaluate some of the biochemical side effects of various commercial biocides (Vertimec, Dipel 2x and Agerin) on cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.), which is one of the most destructive phytophagous lepidopterous pests in Egypt, causes damage not only to cotton plants, but also other field crops and vegetables. Abamectin and thuringiensin represent a group of natural compounds with potent pesticidal activities. Reviewing the results, we conclude that the change in response to tested biocides could be associated with the increase in β-E activity and decrease in α-E, ALK-P, AST, ALT, amylase and invertase activities, and multifarious effect in Ali-E and AC-P activities that, after treatment with LC₅₀ of each compound for 24 h on treated leaves and 3 days on untreated leaves.