EFFECTIVENESS OF A NEW COMMERCIAL INSECTICIDE FOR THE CONTROL OF THE LESSER MEALWORM (ALPHITOBIUS DIAPERINUS) (PANZER) (COLEOPTERA: TENEBRIONIDAE)

ABSTRACT The present study was carried out with the objective to evaluate, under laboratory and field conditions, the effectiveness of the insecticide Test (based on cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos and citronellal), for the control of lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus). In the laboratory, the product was tested on adult insects, by spraying on the insects (direct contact) and by their walking on a treated surface (indirect contact). After this, it was evaluated in field conditions, in a poultry house. The product was effective, being comparable to the standard product, causing 100% of mortality in the laboratory and reducing the population in the poultry house by 76%. Thus, the product presents an alternative for the control of this pest.