TOXICOLOGICAL STUDIES AGAINST CERTAIN DATE PALM INSECT PESTS

Abstract

This work was mainly directed to conduct certain toxicological studies against 5th instar larvae of Ephestia cautella (Walk.) and adults stage of Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) using dry heat and cold temperature at different exposure times. The obtained results proved that E. caute/la was more susceptible to the high and low temperature. Also, it is clearly evident to notice the positive correlation . between the prolongation of exposure time and the mo!"lality rates and vice versa. Concerning toxicity response of certain insecticides against the tested insects, data indicate that, pirimiphos-methyl 50% EC proved to be the most effective insecticides, followed by fenitrothion 50% EC, cyphenothrin 5% EC, fenitrothion 20% MC and azadirachtin 75% EC. The trend showed that E.caute/la was in general more susceptible to the tested insecticides compared with 0. surinamensis. Regarding the enzyme activity as affected by tested insecticides, the important factors, in determining the activity of studied enzymes are insecticide type, insect species and time after treatment . The residue levels, of some organophosphates on and in dates revealed the important role of insecticide type, formulation and post­ treatment period in determining the degradation behavior of tested insecticides when applied on date under laboratory conditions. with regard to toxicological aspects of studied insecticides liver function, data show the hepatotoxicity of five tested insecticides with concern to SGOT, SGPT, Alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol and Bilirubin.