Lethal and sublethal effects of cantharidin on the life history traits and population parameters of <i>Helicoverpa armigera</i> (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract

Cantharidin caused larval mortality and other serious abnormalities in H. armigera population parameters, and therefore may have positive implications for pest management decision-making process. More interestingly, the experiment revealed that cantharidin in sublethal dose mimicked insect growth regulator insecticides. Furthermore, cantharidin could be used as a precursor compound for the synthesis of new analogues and compounds to replace ineffective older compounds.