CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background to Study

As with any pesticide, it is important to choose a natural insecticide that fits the situation in which you will use it. These products vary in their toxicity to non-target organisms such as fish and bees, as well as their effectiveness at controlling specific insect pests. If used improperly, organic insecticides can harm people and the environment, so do not make the mistake of thinking that products labelled as “natural” are nontoxic.

Another critical consideration when using pesticides is the potential for target organisms to develop resistance. Resistance results when an insecticide does not kill 100 percent of the pest population and surviving pests are able to tolerate the insecticide. After regular use on multiple generations of the pest insect, the pest population will be dominated by these insecticide-tolerant individuals. To avoid pest resistance, regularly interchange and alternate insecticides that act differently on the target pest’s physiology. Because there are fewer natural and organic insecticides available to gardeners and farmers than conventional pesticides, these alternative products are more susceptible to becoming ineffective from overuse.

1.2     Statement of Problem

Natural insecticides can be chemical, mineral, or bio-logical. The common goal of all three is to kill, repel, or otherwise interfere with the damaging behaviour of insect pests. Because this purpose corresponds with the legal definition of a pesticide, all natural insecticide products must comply with federal and state regulations for registration, sales, transport, use, storage, and disposal. Some natural insecticides are allowed for use in certified organic systems if additional organic federal standards are met.

This research project provides general information on the categories of natural insecticides that are effective for killing lady beetles. Also included are more detailed descriptions of the most commonly used natural insecticide products. However, there is still need to read the label of each product for specific application instructions. Many of the products described here may also be used in commercial crop production, but do not represent the entire list available to commercial growers.

1.3     Research Objective

The general objective of this research is to evaluate which natural insecticide kills the fewest lady beetles. This will provide general information on the categories of natural insecticides that are effective for killing lady beetles. Also included are more detailed descriptions of the most commonly used natural insecticide products and their characteristics.

1.4     Research Question

The research question for this research work which holds the focus of the researcher is; which natural insecticide kills the fewest lady beetles?

1.5     Significance of Study

This research work will be of great benefit to farmers, industrialists as well as household owners in the quest for the control and management of pests (in this case lady beetles) infestations and destruction. This will also guide users as to the choice and benefits of natural insecticides as pest control methods, evaluating its effectiveness.

Finally, this work will add to the existing body of knowledge on natural insecticides and pests control, and serve as a reference point to other researchers who may want to go into a study of like nature and subject matter.

1.6     Limitation to Study

The study was limited to evaluating which natural insecticide kills the fewest lady beetles and to consider the effectiveness of the use of natural insecticides in pest and insect control. It was limited by time constraints and inaccessibility of research materials. However, the research was completed with the objectives guiding the flow of the research.

1.7     Definition of Terms

Lady Beetle: otherwise Coccinellidae is a widespread family of small beetles ranging from 0.8 to 18 mm (0.03 to 0.71 inches). They are commonly yellow, orange, or red with small black spots on their wing covers, with black legs, heads and antennae.

Natural Insecticide: Natural insecticides, such as nicotine, pyrethrum and neem extracts, made by plants are defenses against insects.

Insecticide: Insecticides are substances used to kill insects. They include ovicides and larvicides used against insect eggs and larvae, respectively.

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