Lethal and sublethal impacts of some biopesticides against the black cutworm, <i>Agrotis ipsilon</i> (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a black cutworm, is a serious early-season soil pest of cotton, vegetables, and several field crops. Relatively little is known about the effectiveness of applying biopesticides against this pest. So, this research was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of four biopesticides (Spinosad, Abamectin, Emamectin benzoate, and Bacillus thuringiensis) on the survival and growth rate of the black cutworm, A. ipsilon. The findings indicated significant differences in the impact of each biopesticide on the larvae, with Emamectin benzoate showing the highest efficacy in increasing mortality percentages, followed by Spinosad, Abamectin, and B. thuringiensis under laboratory conditions. In addition, the results of the pot experiment indicated that the Emamectin benzoate was more effective in protecting plants from damage compared to both the untreated control and the standard pesticide. Additionally, the growth rates of the black cutworm life stages were notably affected negatively; also, significant changes were found in the activity of estimated detoxifying enzymes and total protein in treated larvae compared to the control group. This indicates that the use of mamectin benzoate not only reduces pest populations but also disrupts their biological processes, making it a promising option for sustainable pest control. Such findings highlight the potential for biopesticides to serve as effective tools in integrated pest management strategies.