Side-effects of some botanical insecticides and extracts on the parasitoid, Venturia canescens (Grav.) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)

Effects of botanical insecticides, azadirachtin and pyrethrum, on the development and behavior; capsaicin and d-Limonene, on behavior of Venturia canescens Gravenhorst were determined with a two-choice test using Y-tube olfactometer. The LC50 and LC25 values for azadirachtin and pyrethrum were also determined in the third and fifth larval stages of the host Ephestia kuehniella Zeller. The third and fifth larval stages of E. kuehniella were parasitized and then these larvae were treated with LC50 and LC25 values for the same botanical insecticides. While development time of the parasitoid was prolonged, the longevity and emergence rate were reduced at the LC50 and LC25 values of azadirachtin. Pyrethrum was much more toxic for the parasitoid with LC50 value caused 100% mortality of V. canescens. LC25 value of pyrethrum caused a great reduction in parasitoid progeny, prolonged development and reduced the longevity. In addition, botanical insecticides and extracts were repellent to parasitoid adults. The use of azadirachtin, pyrethrum, capsaicin and d-Limonene is therefore not compatible with parasitoid V. canescens.