BEHAVIORAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL-EFFECTS OF NEEM (AZADIRACHTA-INDICA) SEED KERNEL EXTRACTS ON LARVAL PARASITOID, BRACON-HEBETOR

An aqueous suspension and an ethanolic extract of neem seed kernel (NS K) at 0.3, 0.6, 1.2, 2.5, and 5.0% concentrations were tested for ovip ositional deterrency, feeding deterrency, toxicity, sterility, and ins ect growth regulatory effects on a larval parasitoid, Bracon hebetor. Neither NSK extracts delivered in the food or by contact influenced th e B. hebetor oviposition (parasitization). They also did not cause par asitoid sterility through feeding, but they showed feeding deterrent e ffects for a limited period. Parasitoid eggs and pupae also were unaff ected by the extracts tested. The parasitoid larvae, however, were kil led by feeding contaminated host larvae and also through contact with neem extracts. Thus, a minimum safety period is suggested for inundati ve releases of B. hebetor in integrated pest management.