EFFECTS OF 2 INSECT GROWTH-REGULATORS ON THE BOOKLOUSE, LIPOSCELIS-BOSTRYCHOPHILA

The two Insect Growth Regulators (IGR) methoprene and fenoxycarb were tested against the booklouse Liposcelis bostrychophila (L). With 47.5, 95, 190 ppm methoprene and 4, 8, 16 ppm fenoxycarb in the food, population growth of L. bostrychophila was reduced. When L. bostrychophila were held on treated food and transferred afterwards to untreated food fertility was reduced. When L. bostrychophila were reared on treated food adult formation was partly inhibited and supernumery larval stages were recorded. These superlarvae have a dorsal cuticle with larval features and tarsi with two instead of three segments. The genitals were always misshapen, but the superlarvae were not always sterile. Because fenoxycarb is effective at low doses it is a promising agent to control booklice in granaries.