Exploring the thermal dynamics of mango leaf hopper (Cicadellidae: Homoptera) populations and evaluating insecticide susceptibility

Abstract

Effective pest management in agricultural systems requires understanding environmental conditions and chemical solutions. The efficacy of lambda cyhalothrin, imidacloprid, and acephate for mango leaf hopper control was examined in relation to temperature. A controlled laboratory setup with a Bio-Oxygen-Demand (B.O.D) incubator maintained temperatures of 25 ºC, 22 ºC, and 29 ºC for the experiment. The investigated pesticides' toxicity varied with temperature. March 2022, October 2022, and July 2023 lambda cyhalothrin LD50 values were 0.524, 0.412, and 0.992 ppm at 25 ºC. In the same timeframes, imidacloprid showed LD50 values of 0.797, 1.187, and 1.774 ppm. Acephate has 0.890, 1.572, and 1.927 ppm LD50s. Piperonyl butoxide (PBO), N-(Propargyloxy) phthalimide (PP), diethyl maleate (DEM), and S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF) were also tested for synergy. DEM and the studied insecticides had synergistic ratios, suggesting improved pest control tactics. The data showed that temperature, pesticide effectiveness, and synergistic interactions promote sustainable mango pest management.