Diatomaceous earth and kaolin as promising alternatives to the detrimental chemicals in the management of Spodoptera exigua

Abstract

Background and Objective: Insecticidal properties of diatomaceous earth and kaolin as eco-friendly inert powders have been studied on some of the most important agricultural pests in recent years. This study investigated the toxicity of kaolin and diatomaceous earth (Sayan®) against Spodoptera exigua. Materials and Methods: In the present study, contact toxicity of kaolin and diatomaceous earth (Sayan®) as environmentally compatible materials was determined against the larvae of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua, after 24, 48 and 72 h exposure times. Results: Higher mortality was observed with diatomaceous earth compared to kaolin on the S. exigua larvae. The highest mortality rate (59.25%) was observed with a concentration of 20% from diatomaceous earth after 72 h and the lowest mortality rate (18.12%) was detected with a concentration of 5% kaolin after 24 h exposure times. In fact, a positive correlation was observed between increasing the concentration of both compounds and the exposure time with pest mortality. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, kaolin and diatomaceous earth can be considered as suitable alternatives for chemical pesticides in the management of S. exigua.