Evaluation of neem (Azadirachta indica) derivatives against jassids (Emrasca devastans) and cotton mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis),and side effects on the feeding potential of green lacewing (chrysoperla carnea) on cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii)

Laboratory studies were conducted to investigate the toxic,deterrent and anti-feedent effects of neem oil and neem seed water extract at 1,2,and 3% concentrations against jassids,(emrasca devastans dist.) cotton mealybug (phenacoccus solenopsis tinsley) and their side effects on the feeding potential of chrysoperla carneaon cotton aphid (aphis gossypii kalten) at 27±2oc and 65% r.h. in khyber pakhtunkhwa province,pakistan. the results revealed that neem oil at 2 and 3% concentrations and neem seed water extract at 3% concentration was effective against jassids compared to control. neem oil and neem seed water extract caused more mortality of cotton mealybugs at 3% concentration than the control. when cotton aphids were offered for feeding to c. carnea,statistically fewer aphids were consumed by c. carneaat higher concentrations of both neem derivatives as compared to that in the control. however; both neem derivatives at lowest concentration had no effect on the feeding ability of c. carnea. it can be concluded from the present findings that c. carnea is sensitive to neem derivatives and can be used at appropriate concentrations in combination with c. carnea in swapping to synthetic insecticides for a safer control of the test insects. copyright 2016 zoological society of pakistan.