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Abstract
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Lethal and sublethal effects of imidacloprid and buprofezin on preimaginal and adult stages of the cotton
whitefly parasitoid Encarsia inaron (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) were investigated in the
laboratory. Both insecticides significantly reduced adult emergence when parasitised nymphs, at either
larval or pupal stages, were treated with field-recommended concentrations. Buprofezin had no significant
effect on adult wasps. The LC50 value of imidacloprid for E. inaron was 208.9 ppm. Adult longevity
and the total progeny number were significantly affected only by imidacloprid when the larvae were
treated. Both insecticides had a significant influence on parasitoid daily fecundity depending on the stage
of the parasitoid at the time of treatment. Sex ratio of E. inaron offspring was significantly affected by the
insecticides. Some life history parameters of the parasitoid were affected by application of the insecticides
at the larval and pupal stages. However, neither of the insecticides significantly affected the life
table parameters of treated adults. The implications of these results for the integration of biological and
chemical control methods are discussed.
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