Some factors affect the perception and production of pheromone and ultrastructure of antennae after treatment of Tribolium castaneum with Chlorfluazuron

Abstract

Chlorfluazuron (Atabron) is an insect growth regulator (IGR) used for controlling the major stored product pests. This study investigate the effect of Chlorfluazuron on both sexes of Tribolium castaneum which resulted from treated 4th larval instar with LC50 values (1.2ppm for 4th larval instar). The maximum production and perception of pheromone on both sexes resulted from treated 4th larval instar were at 8-10 days old while at 4-6 days old in untreated sexes. The maximum and minimum pheromone production and perception by sexes resulted from treated 4th larval instar were at 30oC, while it decline to its lowest titer at 15oC. The study revealed that both sexes resulting from treated 4th larval instar with LC50 of Chlorfluazuron caused the formation of abnormal antennae and effect on number and distribution of the sensillae.