Pirimiphos‐methyl in the control of Psara bipunctalis F. on Amaranthus cruentus in Southern Nigeria

Abstract Psara bipunctalis F. (Lepidoptera. Pyralidae) has been identified as a serious defoliating insect pest of Amaranthus cruentus in the southern part of Nigeria. A brief life cycle study carried out at ambient temperature of 28 C showed four different larval instars with pre‐pupal and pupal stages all lasting between 21 and 22 days. Three concentrations of primiphos‐methyl were evaluated for the control of P. bipunctalis in the field. Pirimiphos‐methyl at 0.57 kg/ha a.i. gave the optimal control of this defoliator.