COMPARATIVE TOXICOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF SYNTHETIC AND BOTANICAL INSECTICIDES AGAINST COTTON MEALY BUG (PHENACOCCUS SOLENOPSIS) UNDER CONTROLLED LABORATORY CONDITIONS IN DISTRICT KHAIRPUR, SINDH, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Gossypium hirsutum is a major cash crop of Pakistan and contributes substantially to the livelihood of rural communities. In recent years, the cotton mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis), has become a persistent invasive pest, posing a serious constraint to cotton production nationwide. The traditional use of synthetic insecticides has brought temporary relief, but also has resulted into development of resistance, contamination of environment and negative impact on useful organisms. However, alternative insecticides, which are environmentally friendly, including botanical insecticides are also being scrutinized with regard to their application in integrated pest management (IPM).The current analysis was carried out in the controlled Entomology Laboratory of the Department of Zoology, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, Sindh, to assess the comparative toxic effects of three synthetic insecticides profenofos, lambda‑cyhalothrin, and imidacloprid and extracts of the botanical plants (neem, tobacco, and garlic) against P. solenopsis. Bioassays were performed under controlled laboratory conditions, and mortality was documented at successive exposure intervals. The findings indicated that  profenofos and lambda‑cyhalothrin produced the most rapid and substantial mortality, reflecting their strong knockdown capability rates after 24 h. Imidacloprid showed  moderate efficacy with a slower toxic response. Among the botanical treatments,  neem extract exhibited the greatest effectiveness, followed by garlic and tobacco. The statistical analysis indicated that there were significant differences among all treatments, where the use of botanical extracts particularly neem, may offer viable enviromentally safer options for the sustainable management of the cotton mealy bug. This study presents a scientific basis for promoting eco‑friendly control measures that balance efficacy with long‑term sustainability, thereby supporting more resilient agricultural systems.