Lepidoptera Report

1.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

In completion of this project work, we wish to express my sincere gratitude

to Dr. Suzan Benedick, Lecturer of Crop Pest Management Course, for providing

us an opportunity to study the types of pesticides used in controlling Lepidoptera

Family in Sandakan area as well as the pest control practiced by the farmers.

Besides, we also wish to express our gratitude to the owners of pesticide shop,

which is Permai Kimia Enterprise Sdn. Bhd. at mile 8, Sandakan who had

rendered their help during the period of shop visiting. Last but not least, we wish

to avail ourselves of this opportunity, express a sense of gratitude and love to

our friends for their manual support, strength and their kind co-operation and

encouragement which help in completion of this report.

2.0 OBJECTIVE

The purpose of project work is to aid students in a better understanding on

knowledge regarding to the type of pest as well as crop pest management

practiced by the vegetable farms at Sandakan area. Moreover, this project had

provided the students an opportunity to experience on the farming practices

besides learning the theory on books. This is to ensure that we are learning

theory and practice it practically.

3.0 INTRODUCTION

In general, pesticides are referred as the chemicals, which is applied or

used mainly in agricultural sector in order to control or eliminate the undesired

moving organisms which are harmful to the crop plants and will definitely create

a severe loss in the productivity in terms of quantity and quality. Pesticides are

used widely and extensively in during the era of 'Green revolution', whereby all

the agricultural people tend to boost the production level of the crop plants in

order to meet the requirements and the demands of the increasing human

population throughout the world. In our country, pesticides are applied as to

prevent further damage and spoilage on the crop plants by the harmful insects,

which are commonly known as pests. Under the pest categories, they are pests,

which cause direct damage to the crop plants and pests that bring diseases to

the crop plants. Different species of pests required different types of the

pesticides to control as well as eliminate the pests. Until the modern 21 st

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century, the use of pesticides is equipped with knowledge and workmanship in

the application of pesticides. The use of pesticides and methods to control pests

is more concern on the Sabah state in our country since Sabah is the main

agricultural state. Several crops including highland crops and lowland crops can

be found planted in Sabah by the local farmers or under the surveillance of big

organization and corporation.

One of the pests, which can be found in most agricultural fields in tropical

weather such as Sabah, one of the state of our country, is the insects which are

classified under the Lepidoptera family. Not only in Sabah, but insects or pests

under the Lepidoptera family, which consists of butterflies and moths are the

most widespread and widely recognizable pests worldwide, in every agricultural

field. Each of the Lepidoptera species is vary depending on the surrounding

environment factors. Lepidoptera species have common characteristics in which

they are characterized by the present of scales, which cover their bodies and

wings. Most of the Lepidoptera species have membraneous wings. They undergo

complete metamorphosis in which there are complete stages from larvae to

adult form.

3.1 SCENARIO IN SANDAKAN

In Sabah, the pesticides used in controlling the butterflies and moths are

consists of Bacillus thuringiensis, neem, Emamectin Benzoate and

organophosphate. Bacillus thuringiensis, and neem are classified under

biopesticides which may not cause severe harm to the surrounding pesticide,

whereas the Emamectin Benzoate and Organophosphate are classified under

chemical pesticides.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is an insecticidal bacterium. It is used worldwide

in controlling the numbers of catepillars of the Lepidoptera. Bt pesticides have

contents of mixture of dried spores and insecticidal protein toxin crystals. They

are applied to the leaves or other environments where the larvae of the

Lepidoptera feed. The crystals are aggregates of large protein which in actual, is

known as a protoxin. Protoxin must be activated before it has any effect. The

crystal protein is highly insoluble in normal condition, so it is entirely safe for

humans and other insects. However, it is solubilized in reducing condition of high

pH value at about 9.5. This condition can be commonly found in the mid-gut of

the lepidoptera larvae. Due to this effect, Bt pesticides are highly specific

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insecticidal agent. Once the toxic crystal has been solubilized in the insecct gut,

the protoxin will be switched to active toxin by enzyme known as protease. This

active toxin called delta-endotoxin will bind to the cells of the larvae, creating

pores in the cell membranes and leading to equibration of ions. At the end, the

bacterium can invade the larvae, causing a lethal septicaemia due to the

lowering of the pH in the mid-gut of the lepidoptera larvae.

Neem-based insecticides or pesticides can be used in control the

diamondback moth which is classified under the lepidoptera family. There are

three commercial of neem-based pesticides, they are Agroneem, Ecozin and

Neemix. These three insecticides are evaluated for the oviposition deterrence,

antifeedant effect to larvae and toxicity to the eggs of the diamond back moth.

Neem-based insecticides contain azadirachtin which is derived from the extracts

of the neem tree, Azadirachta indica, have a roles in protecting crops from the

diamondback moth. The neem-based insecticides have to be applied as early as

possible where the insects lay their eggs. Neem-based insecticides are toxic to

all larval instars and all the larvae will die before pupation stage takes place.

Emamectin Benzoate is a novel semi-synthetic insecticide that is derived

from a natural fermentation product known as avermectin B. Scientifically; it is

highly toxic to a broad range of Lepidoptera species even at a low concentration.

The primary route of the intoxication in Lepidoptera larvae is through the process

of ingestion. The avermectins act by disrupting the nerve impulses of the larvae

by a unique mode of action. The Lepidoptera larvae characteristically stop

feeding on the crop plant shortly after ingestion of the emamectin benzoate and

become irreversibly paralyzed. The maximum mortality usually occurs within

four days after the ingestion. The residues of the remaining emamectin benzoate

which remain on the plant surface will rapidly photodegrade when expose to the

sunlight, so there is a minimal exposure of this chemical to the beneficial

arthropods or other beneficial insects to the crop plants.

Organophosphate insecticides have long predominated for insects control

in agriculture. This insecticides have broad spectrum of activity against

Lepidoptera species. They are moderate to the long environental persistence and

some have systemic activity. These kinds of pesticides act as inhibitors of

cholinesterase, which is used in the nerve transmission of the insects. The

impacts of the organophosphate insecticides have also occur in non-target

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organism on wildlife, thus this resulted in dramatic restriction in the extensive

use of organophosphate in many agricultural fields.

4.0 METHODOLOGY

4.1 First Stage: Searching for Pesticide Shop

The Pesticides Shop in Sandakan area were observed. Surveys had been

done through surfing the net. Therefore, we found that there are many pesticides

shop located at mile 8 area in sandakan. We went to the shop twice by bus. At

the first time, we had met one of the shop owners and tried to make an

appointment for interview. The owner of the shop is Mr. Choo. After the date of

interview was set, we had discussed among the group regarding the questions

assigned for the pesticide shop owner on type of pestcides used in controlling

Lepidoptera pest.

4.2 Second Stage: Collecting Information

On 20th April 2012, we had applied transport from school and went to the

shop for second time. Mr.Choo had guided us on visiting to his pesticide shop. He

had shown us with various types of pesticides used by the farmers at sandakan

area. Furthermore, he also explained the effect of pesticides used on the

Lepidoptera pests. Through his narration also, we had learnt the types of

pesticides used, knowledge on application rate of pesticides used, common pest

of Lepidoptera family as well as other pest control methods utilized in the farm at

sandakan area. Besides, information on chemical pesticides, herbicides, and

fertilizers utilized in the pesticide shop was collected and studied.

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5.0 TYPES OF PESTICIDES USED AT SANDAKAN

5.1 FEZMET

Form : Emulsifiable concentrate (EC)

Class : Class II

Chemical group : Organophosphate

Common name : Fezmet

Trade name : FEZMET 40, Rogor L-40, Tamet 40

Chemical name : 2-dimethoxyphoshinothioythio-N-methylacetamide

Active ingredients : Dimethoate

Manufacturer’s name : Zagro Chemicals Sdn. Bhd.

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Mode of action : Systemic

Uses : It is used for control a wide range of Acari, Aphididae,

Aleyrodidea, Coccidea, Coleoptera, Collembola,

Diptera, and Lepidoptera

The recommended rate of application for Lepidoptera:

Rate of application Note

10 litre of

waterOne hectare

9 ml 0.8 liter

Spray at the interval of 2 weeks. Do

not spray more than 2 times in one

season.

5.2 ACTELLIC


Class : Class II

Chemical group : Organophosphate

Common name : Pirimiphos-methyl

Trade name : ACTELLIC

Chemical name : 0-[2-(diethylamino)-6-methyl-4-pyrimidinyl]0, 0-

dimethylphosphorothioate

Active ingredients : Pirimiphos-methyl

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Manufacturer’s name : Syngenta Group Company

Mode of action : Non-Systemic

Uses : it is used for control Lepidoptera and Coleoptera.


Rate of application Note

10 litre of water One hectare

9 ml 0.8 liter

Spray at the interval of 2 weeks. Do

not spray more than 2 times in one

season.

5.3 DIPEL ES


Class : Class IV

Chemical group : Btk 11B2

Common name : Bacillus Thuringiensis

Trade name : Dipel ES

Chemical name : N/A

Active ingredients : Bacillus Thuringiensis, Subsp. kurstaki

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Manufacturer’s name : Halex (M) Sdn. Bhd.


Uses : it is used for control most Lepidopteran


Rate of application Spray volume

per hectareStage


17ml 1020 ml 600 LIt can be sprayed 4

times in a season.

5.4 RIPCORD 505


Class : Class III

Chemical group : Pyrethroid

Common name : Cypermethrin

Trade name : Ripcord 505

Chemical name : 2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate (IUPAC)

Active ingredients : Cypermethrin

Manufacturer’s name : BASF (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.

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Uses : it is used for control most Lepidopteran


Rate of application Spray volume

per hectare

Stage


17ml 1020 ml 600 L

It can be

sprayed 4 times

in a season.

5.5 SHIELDMATE 2.8 EC


Class : Class IV

Chemical group : Pyrethroid

Common name : Deltamethrin

Trade name : Shieldmate 2.8 EC, Butox, Butoflin

Chemical name : (s)- α-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl (1R)-cis-3-(2,2-

dibromovinyl)- 2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylate

Active ingredients : Deltamethrin

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Manufacturer’s name : Hextar Chemicals Sdn. Bhd.

Mode of action : Contact and ingestion

Uses : It is used for control aphids, bugs and some

Lepidopteran

6.0 FACTORS RELATED TO PESTICIDE CALIBRATION APPLICATION AT

SANDAKAN

According to Mr.Choo, whom is the pesticide shop owner at Mile 8, the

pesticide application on field needs calibration. The ultimate purposes for

calibration are intended to reduce the wastage of pesticide and pollution caused

by the excess pesticides. As an important agriculture input to increase crop’s

yield from pest damage, pesticides themselves may also causing adverse effects

on the crops when the pesticide user did not followed the instruction given on

the label.

The overdose or insufficient of pesticide dose resulted in different effect,

the former one caused pollution, pesticide poisoning symptoms like vomiting,

seizures, diarrhea, and respiratory problems in spray man, dying of soil

microbes, vanish of beneficial organisms, and even food poison to the

consumers. In contrast, insufficient dose will cause inefficiency in pest control

and suppress effect and loss on crop yield and farmers’ income.

Hence, the four factors that related to the calibration of pesticide

application which comprised of the suggested application rate of pesticide in kg/l

per hectare, amount of solvent for spraying per hectare, percentage of active

ingredient (A.I.) in commercial formulation, and lastly, area to be treated in

hectare needed to be calculated before application of pesticide.

6.1 Suggested application rate of pesticide in kg/l per hectare

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Based on the explanation and advices by Mr.Choo, the application rate of

pesticide in kg/l per hectare is the data that provide optimum pest suppression

effects based on experiments. Normally, he emphasize that the suggested

application rate give the suitable amount of pesticide to use that minimize the

negative adverse effected on ecology, environment and human.

Hence, the suggested application rate is important to conserve our land,

water and biodiversity. With application of optimum rate of pesticide, less

probability for pest infestation, less environmental pollution, and save more

money, which is through the reduction amount of the pesticide used per

spraying.

Besides, the suggested application rate also indicates the amount of

pesticide need per hectare to perform it strength best. The decrement from

suggested application rate will results in pesticide ineffectiveness on pest

population suppression.

6.2 Amount of solvent for spraying per hectare

Amount of solvent need to dissolve concentrated pesticide should

calculate to maintain the pesticide effectiveness on pest control. Pesticide work

best when dissolved in optimum amount of solvent.

For instance, the excess solvent with little of pesticide cannot suppress

the pest population. The inert material in pesticide is the carrier for active

ingredients to express it function. When the solvent is in excess, the A.I. and

inert material will decrease. Thus, there will not be enough need carrier and A.I.

to work on pest infected area. In a nutshell, the pesticide should be mixed with

solvent according to label for optimum effectiveness on pest control.

6.3 Percentage of active ingredient in commercial formulation

The pesticide may come in enormous of different brands but with same

active ingredients. Active ingredient determines the mode of action and the

types of pest the pesticide targeted. Sometime, the active ingredient is the same

for pesticide with different trade name. The difference between them is the

concentration of active ingredient within the pesticides. First one may has higher

concentration while second one has lower concentration of same active

ingredient.

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The percentage of active ingredient in commercial formulation is vital.

This determines the selling price, the effectiveness of pesticides and the amount

of pesticide to be mixed with solvent.

Normally, the pesticide of same active ingredient with higher A.I. sell more

expensive compared to the others with low concentration. The amount needed to

mix with solvent during preparation of pesticide also less and more effective in

pest control as compared to low concentration pesticide of same volume.

Therefore, the percentage of active ingredient is important to be known

before purchasing pesticide to prevent waste of money (when mixing same

amount of higher concentration pesticide as previous used low concentration

pesticide), solvent wastage, and the effectiveness is affected because the

pesticide did not mix with suitable solvent for optimum performances.

6.4 Area to be treated in hectare

Making an assumption or estimation on the area required to be treated

with pesticide is important. The area was count in hectare and then the workers

could prepare pesticide according to need. Therefore, the wastage of pesticide,

pollution, and overdose on particular area can be avoided.

For example, when the pesticide cannot be finished after all vegetation

area had been sprayed, a worker may pour the pesticide into drain or anywhere,

thus; the pesticide is wasted and pollution may caused to the nearby water

bodies or land. Furthermore, the overdose on particular area may happen when

the worker thinks pour away the excess pesticides is a form of wastage and they

spray the remained pesticide on treated area. This condition result in overdose in

area and killed the beneficial organism and some crop. In long term, this may

cause resurgence of pest that had developed resistance to certain types of

pesticide.

7.0 CONCLUSION

7.1 Suggestion and Recommendation

Most farmers, in order to get instant cure and prevention would apply

chemical and synthetic pesticides on their crops. Thankfully now, farmers and

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crop producers are getting aware of the negative effects brought by those

chemicals.

In practicing organic (non-chemical) pest control practice, handpicking can

often adequately control caterpillars, best done in the morning and evening

where the caterpillars are most active. Some like cutworms are best picked in

the dark. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) works quickly to kill them. The use of

predators, parasitic flies and parasitic wasps are very useful.

Meanwhile, sustainable agriculture recommends interplanting

(intercropping) techniques are also useful to confuse moths by making the

environment more complex and less favourable for pest.

8.0 REFERENCES

8.1 Abdullah, A. R. 2002. Pesticide Residues in Coastal Tropical Ecosystems.

Kota Kinabalu: CRC Press .

8.2 Grafton-Cardwell. 2005. Various novel insecticides are less toxic to

humans, more specific to key pests. California Agriculture , 29-34.

8.3 Jipanin, J. 2001. Management of Pesticide Use On Vegetable

Production.Tuaran: 6th SITE Research Seminar.

8.4 Liang, G.-M. 2003. Effects of three neem-based insecticides on

diamondback moth. Crop Protection , 333-340.

8.5 López, J. D. 2005. Effect of emamectin benzoate on mortality. Journal of

Insect Science , 57-64.

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Lepidoptera Report

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