The Influence of Spinosad and Azadirachtin on Beneficial Fauna Naturally Occurring on Cabbage Crops

The influence of spinosad (SpinTor 480 SC) and azadirachtin (Neem Azal T/S) on beneficial fauna naturally occurring on cabbage crops was evaluated in field experiments conducted in years 2004-2006. The insecticides were applied as a plant spray in field recommended dosages i.e. 96 g of active ingredient (a.i.) per ha for spinosad and 24 ml a.i. per ha for azadirachtin. The effect of direct contact of larva or adult of Coccinellidae ssp., Syrphidae spp. and Chrysopidae ssp. and the percentage of cabbage aphid parasited by Diaeretiella rapae M'Intosh with residues on leaves were observed on the 3^rd, 7^th, 14^th and 21^st day after treatment. The results obtained in conducted experiments indicated that there was no influence of two tested insecticides on the reduction of above mentioned groups of predators and parasite. The number of beneficial fauna occurring on treated cabbage plants was similar to those present on control plots.