Laboratory evaluation of efficacy of several formulations to control the lesser mealworm - Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer, 1797) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

The lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer, 1797.) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is a cosmopolitan and the most common pest in the global commercial poultry industry and is present in a growing number of poultry facilities in Croatia. This study presents the results of laboratory research into the sensitivity of the adult population of A. diaperinus collected in poultry facilities in the area of Medimurje County (Croatia) to the following insecticide formulations: Solfac 050 EW containing 50 g/L of cyfluthrin active ingredient (a.i.), naturalit Laser SC (al. spinosad 240 g/L) and essential oil cineole (eucalyptol) over 10 days. The population of A. diaperinus collected in poultry facilities in the area of Medimurje County has never been exposed to insecticides. The tested insects showed a very high sensitivity to the insecticide Solfac 050 EW at a dose of 2x10(-2) g/m(2) and naturalit Laser SC at a dose of 2.4x10(-3) g/m(2) (100% mortality 24 hours after exposure). Essential oil cineole showed very high efficiency at a dose of 60 mu L/350 mL(-1) vol (174 g/m(3)) (100% mortality 24 hours after exposure). These research results could be used as guidelines in creating a management strategy for lesser mealworm in poultry facilities in Croatia.