Naturally occurring plant toxins, such as benzoates, have been shown to have insecticidal effects on some pest insects. In this study three commercially available benzoates, methyl benzoate (MB), ethyl benzoate (EB), and vinyl benzoate (VB), were assessed for their contact toxicity against Aphis gossypii Glover and its lacewing predator Chrysoperla carnea Stephens. Toxicity of 1% MB, EB, and VB showed 100%, 85% and 60% mortality of A. gossypii at 24 h. In addition, a mixture of MB and EB showed higher synergistic effect than mixtures of MB+VB or EB+VB against A. gossypii. Toxicity at 1% concentration of three benzoates against A. gossypii showed lower toxicity against the larvae of C. carnea after 72 h of exposure than A. gossypii. Our result suggest that benzoates have high potential as environmentally safe biopesticides for A. gossypii control.

• Md. Munir Mostafiz(Department of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University/Faculty of Agriculture, Hajee Mohamamd Danesh Science & Technology University)
• Duck-Oung Jung(Department of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University)
• Kyeong-Yeoll Lee(Department of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University)