Effects of kaolin particle film on beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), oviposition, larval feeding and development on cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L.

Wettable, highly processed kaolin, a reflective white mineral, has been shown to reduce boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman, damage to cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., squares and foliage. In a series of laboratory and outdoor cage assays, kaolin was assessed for its effects on beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), oviposition, and larval feeding preference and development. In choice and no-choice assays, gravid beet armyworm females deposited 31% more (P<0.0001) eggs on the kaolin-free plants than on kaolin treated cotton plants. Kaolin treated foliage caused complete mortality within 4 days to first instars, and significantly higher mortality to late second instars than controls. Feeding injury caused by third instars to kaolin treated cotton leaves was low (P<0.005) as compared to controls. Kaolin has potential as a less toxic alternative pest management tactic.