Effect of Artemisia annua oil on development and reproduction of Dysdercus koenigii F. (Hem., Pyrrhocoridae)

The effect of topical application of Artemisia annua oil on the development and reproduction of Dysdercus koenigii was studied. On the basis of 48 h mortality, the LD₅₀ for fifth instar nymphs was 0.48 μl/nymph. The treated nymphs showed 2 days delay in development, and also produced intermediates. The treatment decreased haemolymph protein concentration and disturbed its electrophoretic protein pattern. The adults which emerged from treated nymphs showed poor ovary development. There was a greater median neurosecretory activity in the treated insects compared with control insects till day 6 of adult life.