Role of Teflubenzuron as A Chitin Synthesis Inhibitor Against Spodoptera littoralis Larvae

Abstract

The present research focuses on the effect of teflubenzuron on the 4th larval instar of the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis under laboratory conditions. Teflubenzuron exhibited larvicidal activity (LC50 8.45 ppm) after 72 hours of treatment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed growth disruption and abnormalities in the external morphological features of cuticle and head capsule in larvae treated with teflubenzuron. Marked biochemical changes in chitin synthesis pathway were recorded. Protease enzyme activity was significantly reduced, whereas the activities of both chitinase and phenoloxidase were significantly elevated in treated larvae in comparison to controls.