Effect of insecticides on predator insects associated with cotton

To assess the selectivity of insecticides to predator insects in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) crops two, trials, 1993-1994, under field and laboratory conditions were conducted. Under field conditions, the following treatments were compared: Fipronil 200 CS (75 g/ha of a.i.); Fipronil 800 WDG (64, 80 and 100 g/ha of a.i.); Endosulfan 350 EC (700 g/ha of a.i.); and control. Under laboratory conditions, in addition to Friponil, Methyl parathion 600 EC 480 g/ha of a.i. was also tested. Fipronil was selective to predators (Scymnus sp., Geocoris ventralis, Cycloneda sanguinea and Doru lineare) under field condition and to Cycloneda sanguinea (L.) under laboratory conditions. This product can be used in integrated pest management programs in cotton crops to control Alabama argillacea (Rueb.), and Anthonomus grandis Boh. Endosulfan was selective to Scymnus sp., Geocoris ventralis Thomazini, Cycloneda sanguinea (L.) and Dent lineare (Eschs) under field conditions, with a 30% reduction of insects, while Methyl parathion was not selective to C. sanguinea in laboratory.