Biology and fertility life table of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) exposed to neem-based formulations

We evaluate the effect of neem-based formulations on biological and population parameters of Helicoverpa armigera. Newly hatched larvae were fed for 72 h on diet containing Neenmax®, Nim-I-go®, Emulzinim® (neem-based products); Pirate® (positive control) and distilled water (negative control). Biological parameters were evaluated on a daily basis, and a fertility life table was used to assess populational growth. The experimental design was completely randomized, with five treatments (products and controls) and 10 replications. Means were submitted to analysis of variance and compared by Tukey test (5% probability). Neenmax® did not differ from Pirate® for larval survival. Duration and viability of larval and pupal periods, pupal weight at 24 h, oviposition period, adult longevity and female fertility were significantly affected by Emulzinim® and Nim-I-go®. Sex ratio and pre-oviposition period were not affected. Net reproductive rate (Ro), population doubling time (DT), intrinsic rate of increase (Rm) and finite rate of increase (?) differed statistically for neem formulations when compared to the negative control (distilled water). Based on our results, we conclude that the neem-based formulations evaluated in this study represent a potentially viable alternative for chemical control in the management of H. armigera.