1
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DELTAMETHRIN INSECTICIDE AND BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
AGENTS AGAINST MAJOR PESTS ON EGGPLANT
(Solanum melongena)
RICHESSE BELLE M. BARCOS
UNDERGRADUATE THESIS PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY
OF DEPARTMENT OF ENTOMOLOGY COLLEGE OF
AGRICULTURE, CENTRAL MINDANAO UNIVERSITY
IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR
THE DEGREE
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURE
Crop Protection Entomology
DECEMBER 2024
2
Introduction
Eggplant (Solanum melongena), known as brinjal or aubergine, is an important crop which is
grown through tropical and subtropical areas because of its great nutritional and economic values.
The crop has huge economic importance especially nutrition wise as it is believed to contain
vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Nonetheless, eggplant production is threatened by numerous
insect pests such as the eggplant fruit and shoot borer, Leucinodes orbonalis, and aphids, Aphis
gossypii, which can negatively impact yield and quality. Hence, pest control or management
practices becomes an indispensable part of the eggplant production systems.
The use of some ardent pesticides most especially insecticides like deltamethrin has been a
practice for many years in the fight against pest as it has shown great performance and speed.
Deltamethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid which works on many pests and acts as a neurotoxin in
insects. However, there is talk about serious issues around the use of pesticides, such as
degradation of the environment around us, the potential that pests could become resistant and even
human health. As a result, the interest in alternative, more sustainable approaches to pest
management is increasing, such as the use of parasitoids like Trichogramma spp. and symbiotic
bacteria like Bacillus thuringiensis.
According to Singh et al.(2020), about 60% of loss in the cultivated area of eggplant can be
attributed to pest attacks. It has been reported by Kumar et al.(2019) that the application of
deltamethrin brings down pest populations by an average of 85% in 48 hours. In contrast, biological
control agents like the Trichogramma spp. have shown about 70% reduction in pest populations, in
seven days (Chakrabarti et al., 2021). Yield data generated from field trials for the two strategies will
be analyzed using ANOVA followed by regression models, to establish whether there is a significant
variation between the two pest control approaches.
The experiments will be conducted on CMU AEC (Agricultural Experiment Center). The study
duration will encompass an entire growing season, from seedling establishment to harvest, allowing
for comprehensive pest and yield monitoring it will be focusing on the analysis of the effectiveness
of deltamethrin insecticide and biological agents for the management of major pests of the eggplant.
It interrelates statistical calculations and field experiments to establish the efficiencies of pest
reduction, yield increases and costs within various pest management methods. Their comparative
evaluation would not only indicate the relative merits and shortcomings of these methods including
their potential for expansion into integrated pest management (IPM) programmes.
3
Objectives of the Study
1. To evaluate the efficacy of deltamethrin insecticide in controlling major pests of eggplant.
2. To assess the effectiveness of biological control agents, including Trichogramma spp.
3. To compare the economic and environmental implications of using deltamethrin and biological
control agents.
4. To analyze the impact of the two pest management strategies on eggplant yield and pest
infestation levels.
Time and Place of the Study
The experiments will be conducted on AEC. The study duration will encompass an entire
growing season, from seedling establishment to harvest, allowing for comprehensive pest
and yield monitoring.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Eggplant (Solanum melongena)
Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a nutritious, antioxidant-rich crop that supports health,
livelihoods, and food security. A culinary staple globally, it thrives in diverse climates, promotes
sustainable farming, and contributes to agricultural economies. According to Van Eck and Snyder
(2006) Eggplant is an economically important vegetable crop in Asia and Africa, and although it is
grown in Europe and the United States, it does not account for a significant percentage of agricultural
production. It is susceptible to a number of pathogens and insects, with bacterial and fungal wilts
being the most devastating.
In the last years eggplant has received a great interest as functional food, being classified
among top ten vegetables with antioxidant capacity because of its high content of phenolics. This
vegetable is rich in the content of anthocyanins in the peel and also rich in the content of phenolic
acids in the flesh, being delphinidin derivartives and chlorogenic acid isomers the main phenolic
compounds in those anatomic parts, respectively. A lot of studies of eggplant phenolics have been
4
published in the last years, which include a great number of genotypes with a wide fruit diversity in
shapes, sizes and colors.(Medina et al. , 2017)
In addition, eggplant has potential pharmaceutical uses that are just now becoming
recognized. According to the study of (Quamruzzaman et al., 2020) Eggplant is ranked amongst the
most top ten vegetables that provide the healthiest food with low calories and also contain high
phenolic contents that are helpful in radical absorbing capacity.
Deltamethrin Insecticide
Deltamethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide widely used to control a variety of pests in
agriculture, public health, and households. According to Hasibur et al. (2014) Pyrethroids are
synthetic organic compounds synthesized from chrysanthemum flowers that are used extensively
as household and commercial insecticides. The keto-alocoholic esters of chrysanthemic and
pyrethroic acid being lipophilic are responsible for its insecticidal properties. Deltamethrin is an
alpha-cyano pyrethroid insecticide used extensively in pest control. Although initially thought to be
least toxic, a number of recent reports showed its toxicity in mammalian and non-mammalian
laboratory and wildlife animal species.
Deltamethrin treatment resulted in a dose-related reduction in mitotic index. Both
chromosomal and mitotic abnormalities were encountered at all concentrations ranging from 0.05 to
2 ppm. Most of the chromosomal and mitotic abnormalities were apparently due to disturbance in
the mitotic spindle. Induction of chromosome and chromatid breaks with higher concentrations (0.5
to 2.0 ppm) suggested clastogenic action of this compound but Deltamethrin is not mobile in the
environment because of its strong adsorption on particles, its insolubility in water, and very low rates
of application; however, it still presents risks to the ecosystem in which it is applied (Bhanu et al.
(2011).
Biological Control strategies
Trichogramma spp.
It refers to a genus of tiny parasitic wasps widely used as biological control agents in
agriculture. These wasps are natural enemies of many pest insects, and their primary role is
parasitizing the eggs of pests, preventing them from developing into harmful larvae. Host‐age
selection by parasites is the selection between hosts of different ages. The literature on host‐age
selection by Trichogramma (Hymenoptera, Trichogrammatidae) egg parasites is reviewed. Data
5
from 52 different studies concerning 28, mostly lepidopterous host species, were classified. Different
aspects of parasitism of the hosts by the parasites are identified: 1. preference, 2. attack, 3.
oviposition, 4. development, and 5. mortality. Six basic types are inferred to describe the different
relationships between host‐age and parasitism by Trichogramma spp (Pak, 1986).
Regression analyses indicated that trichome density accounted for the greatest proportion of
variance in Trichogramma spp. parasitism of eggs Kauffman and Kennedy (1989). According to
(Romeis et al. , 2005) Egg parasitoids of the genus Trichogramma are among the most important
and best-studied natural enemies worldwide. Parasitism levels by Trichogramma vary greatly among
different habitats, plants or plant structures on which the host eggs are located.
Beauveria bassiana
It is a species of entomopathogenic fungus, meaning it is a fungus that targets and infects
insects, making it an important biological control agent in integrated pest management (IPM)
programs. It is widely used to control a range of insect pests in both agricultural and forestry settings.
Among invertebrate fungal pathogens, Beauveria bassiana has assumed a key role in
management of numerous arthropod agricultural, veterinary and forestry pests. Beauveria is
typically deployed in one or more inundative applications of large numbers of aerial conidia in dry or
liquid formulations, in a chemical paradigm Mascarin and Jaronski (2016). Research on the insect
pathogenic filamentous fungus, Beauveria bassiana has witnessed significant growth in recent years
from mainly physiological studies related to its insect biological control potential, to addressing
fundamental questions regarding the underlying molecular mechanisms of fungal development and
virulence Urquiza and Keyhani (2016).
Neem Extract
It is a natural substance derived from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), which is native to
the Indian subcontinent and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and agriculture.
Neem extract is known for its broad-spectrum insecticidal, antifungal, and medicinal properties.
Content of phytochemicals extracted from different parts of the neem plant varies considerably due
to abiotic and biotic factors from collection of the raw material to extract preparation and product
formulation (Gahukar, 2014).
6
The main target insects are larvae of Lepidoptera, which feed freely on the leaves and other
parts of their host plants. Larvae of some Coleoptera, for instance Chrysomelidae and phytophagous
Coccinellidae, are also very sensitive (Schumutterer, 1985)
Major insect pest of Eggplant
Eggplant Fruit and Shoot Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis)
The Eggplant Fruit and Shoot Borer (EFSB), is one of the most destructive pests of eggplant.
It primarily affects the fruit and shoot, leading to direct damage by larval feeding, which results in
holes, decay, and a decrease in marketability. The larvae of L. orbonalis bore into the stems, shoots,
and fruits, causing significant yield loss (Sivapragasam, 2000). This pest is known to reduce the
productivity of eggplant by 30-80% in severe infestations (Sharma et al., 2003).
Aphids (Myzus persicae)
Aphids, particularly the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) and the cowpea aphid (Aphis
craccivora), are significant pests of eggplant, particularly in greenhouse and field settings. Aphids
feed on the sap of eggplant plants, weakening them, stunting growth, and transmitting plant viruses
such as Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) (Ali et al., 2009). In
addition, aphids produce honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold, further damaging the
plant.
Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci)
Whiteflies, particularly Bemisia tabaci, are a major pest of eggplants, especially in the warmer
regions of the world. B. tabaci causes damage through direct feeding, leading to chlorosis and
stunted growth. Moreover, it is a vector for several plant viruses, including the Tomato yellow leaf
curl virus (TYLCV), which can severely impact eggplant yield (Hussain et al., 2013).
7
Thrips (Frankliniella spp.)
Thrips, particularly Frankliniella occidentalis and F. schultzei, are a major concern for eggplant
production, especially in areas with hot climates. Thrips feed on the plant's tissue, causing damage
to leaves, flowers, and fruit. In addition to direct damage, they are vectors for viral diseases such as
Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) (Shah et al., 2015).
MATERIALS AND METHODS.
Study Site
The study will be conducted at Central Mindanao University (CMU), specifically within the
Agricultural Experimental Center (AEC). A one-hectare plot within the AEC will serve as the
experimental site for this research. The plot benefits from an efficient irrigation system that provides
a steady water supply and effective drainage to manage excess water, ensuring optimal conditions
for growing eggplants. Located in Musuan at coordinates 124.9727096 longitude and 7.7900995
latitude, the region experiences an average annual high temperature of 28.22ºC (82.8ºF) and a low
of 18.91ºC (66.04ºF). The area receives an average annual rainfall of 183.62mm (7.23in) and
maintains a high humidity level of 89.58%. These climatic factors, with June being the wettest month
and February the driest, are key to interpreting the study’s findings.
Figure 1. Location Map of Central Mindanao University (CMU) Agricultural Experiment Center
8
Materials
Eggplant seeds, Deltamethrin insecticide, sprayer, yellow Sticky Traps, Magnifying
Glass, Ruler or Measuring Tape, Weighing Scale, Measuring Cups and Bottles a record book, a
pen or pencil, a calculator, harvesting tools, and a camera for documentation are among the
supplies that will be utilized in the study.
Methods
Experimental Design and Treatment
This study will employ a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five (5) treatments, each
treatment will be replicated three (3) to ensure statistical validity. These are the treatments:
T1 – (No treatment applied)
T2 – (Chemical Pesticide - Deltamethrin)
T3 - (Biological Control - Trichogramma spp.)
T4 - (Biological Control - Beauveria bassiana)
T5 - (Biological Control - Neem Extract)
Soil Sampling Analysis
Ten (10) soil samples will be collected randomly from the experimental area using a zigzag
sampling pattern before plowing. The collected samples will be air-dried, crushed, and pulverized. A
composite sample weighing one (1) kilogram will then be sieved and sent to the Soil and Plant
Analysis Laboratory (SPAL) at the Department of Soil Science, Central Mindanao University. The
sample will be analyzed for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK) ratios, and the
recommended fertilizer application will be determined based on the results.
Land Preparation
The land was cleared of weeds and debris, then plowed to a depth of 15-20 cm to loosen the
soil. After harrowing, organic matter like compost was added to improve soil fertility. The soil’s pH
was tested and adjusted if necessary, and fertilizers were applied based on soil recommendations.
The soil was then leveled to ensure proper water distribution.
9
Lay-outing
For layout, the experimental area was divided into plots using markers. A Randomized
Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used, with each treatment randomly assigned to different plots.
T1R1 T2R2 T3R3 T4R4
2.5 m 1m
2.5 1m
T2R1 T3R2 T4R3 T5R4
T3R1 T4R2 T5R3 T1R4
T3R1 T5R2 T1R3 T2R4
20.5 m
T3R1 T1R2 T2R3 T3R4
17m
10
Figure 2. Field Layout of the Study, “COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DELTAMETHRIN
INSECTICIDE AND BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENTS AGAINST MAJOR PESTS ON EGGPLANT
(Solanum melongena)
Seedling Preparation
Seeds were first soaked in water for 24 hours to promote germination, then sown in seed
trays filled with a well-draining, fertile seedling mix. The trays were kept in a shaded, humid area to
protect the seedlings from direct sunlight. After germination, seedlings were watered regularly,
ensuring they were healthy and free from pest infestations. Once the seedlings reached a height of
about 15-20 cm and had developed 3-4 true leaves, they were hardened off by gradually exposing
them to outdoor conditions for several days.
Fertilizer Application
Fertilizer was applied based on soil test results and recommendations for optimal eggplant
growth. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio (e.g., 14-14-14) was used during transplanting to
promote initial root development and overall plant growth. A side-dressing of nitrogen-rich fertilizer
(e.g., urea) was applied 4 weeks after transplanting to support vegetative growth. Fertilizer was
applied in a circular pattern around the base of each plant, and irrigation was provided immediately
after application to aid in nutrient absorption.
Transplanting and Replanting
Once the eggplant seedlings reached 15-20 cm in height and had at least 3-4 true leaves,
they were transplanted into the experimental plots. During transplanting, each seedling was carefully
removed from the seed tray, ensuring minimal disturbance to the roots, and planted in pre-dug holes
at the same depth as they were in the trays. If any seedlings failed to establish, they were replaced
with new, healthy seedlings to maintain consistency across the experiment.
Care and Maintenance
After transplanting, the eggplants were regularly watered to keep the soil moist but not
waterlogged. Weeding was carried out manually every 2 weeks to reduce competition for nutrients.
A layer of mulch was applied around the base of the plants to conserve moisture, control weeds,
11
and maintain soil temperature. Plants were regularly monitored for signs of pest infestation and
disease, and pest control treatments (deltamethrin or biological agents) were applied as per the
experimental design.
Sampling and Monitoring of Major Insect Pests
Pest populations were monitored weekly by inspecting both the upper and lower sides of
leaves, stems, and fruits. Major insect pests such as aphids (Aphis gossypii), whiteflies (Bemisia
tabaci), and eggplant fruit and shoot borers (Leucinodes orbonalis) were identified and counted. A
yellow sticky trap was used to capture adult whiteflies, while aphid populations were counted directly
on plant leaves. Fruit and shoot borer damage was assessed by checking for visible tunnels and
feeding marks on the fruits and stems. The number of pests was recorded per plant, and pest control
efficacy was calculated based on the reduction in pest population.
Preservation of Specimens
Insect specimens (aphids, whiteflies, and fruit borers) collected during sampling were
preserved for later identification and analysis. Pests were collected using a fine brush and stored in
small vials containing 70% ethanol to prevent decomposition. Specimens were labeled with the date,
treatment, and plot number for proper documentation. These preserved specimens were later
identified under a microscope for further analysis.
Harvesting
Eggplants were harvested when they reached their mature size and characteristic color,
typically around 60-75 days after transplanting, depending on the variety. Fruits were harvested
carefully to avoid damaging the plants, and only mature, undamaged fruits were selected. The
number of fruits per plant and the total fruit yield (in kg per plot) were recorded at each harvest.
Harvesting was done at regular intervals until all fruits had reached maturity or until pest damage
was no longer economically viable.
12
Data to be gathered
1. Occurrence of Major Insect Pest
The number of major insect pest will be recorded per treatment. This will be monitored
at seedling, vegetative and maturity stage of eggplants.
2. Population Count of Shoot and Fruit Borer
The presence of shoot and fruit borer will be counted through visual sampling,
handpicking, netting, pitfall traps and light traps as the sampling technique. It will be
conducted from the vegetative until the reproductive stage of eggplants, and will be recorded
per plot.
3. Population Count of Aphids
The presence of aphids will be counted through visual sampling, handpicking, netting,
pitfall traps and light traps as the sampling technique. It will be conducted from the vegetative
until the reproductive stage of eggplants, and will be recorded plot
4. Population Count of Whitefly
The presence of leaf roller will be counted through visual sampling, handpicking,
netting, pitfall traps and light traps as the sampling technique. It will be conducted from the
vegetative until the reproductive stage of eggplants, and will be recorded per plot
5. Population Count of Thirps
The presence of Thirps will be counted through visual sampling, handpicking, netting,
pitfall traps and light traps as the sampling technique. It will be conducted from the vegetative
until the reproductive stage of eggplants, and will be recorded per plot
6. Percent Damage caused by Shoot and Fruit borer
The damages caused by shoot and fruit borer will be gathered through visual
inspection, and will be evaluated through the use of scale and using the percent damage
formula.
% Damage = Number of plants infested per plot X 100
Total number of plants sample
13
7. Percent Damage caused by Whitefly
The damages caused by whitefly will be gathered through visual inspection, and will
be evaluated through the use of scale and using the percent damage formula.
% Damage = Number of plants infested per plot X 100
Total number of plants sample
8. Percent Damage caused by Thirps
The damages caused by Thirps will be gathered through visual inspection, and will be
evaluated through the use of scale and using the percent damage formula.
% Damage = Number of plants infested per plot X 100
Total number of plants sample
Statistical Analysis
• Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) will be used to test for significant differences among treatments
in pest infestation levels, yield, and economic returns.
• Regression Analysis will evaluate the relationship between pest management practices and
yield outcomes.
• Residual analysis will assess environmental impact through pesticide residue levels in soil
and water.
Ethical and Environmental Considerations
Appropriate measures will be taken to minimize environmental risks, including proper handling and
application of deltamethrin according to safety guidelines. The use of biological control agents will
adhere to recommended practices to prevent non-target effects.
14
References
Van Eck, J., & Snyder, A. (2006). Eggplant (<i>Solanum melongena</i> L.). Humana Press eBooks,
439–448. [Link]
Ali, M., Zia, I., & Javed, N. (2009). Biological control of aphids in eggplant: A review. Pakistan Journal
of Phytopathology, 21(2), 105-112.
Hussain, M., Ahmad, M., & Akhtar, M. (2013). Whitefly management on eggplant: Current status and
future strategies. Crop Protection, 52, 57-65.
Shah, M. A., Khan, R. U., & Ahmad, M. (2015). Thrips management in eggplant: Current practices
and future directions. Journal of Insect Science, 15(1), 24-35.
Sharma, H. C., Sharma, K. K., & Dube, S. (2003). The eggplant fruit and shoot borer: An important
pest of eggplant. Indian Journal of Entomology, 65(1), 65-72.
Sivapragasam, A. (2000). Integrated pest management of eggplant fruit and shoot borer. Pest
Management in Horticultural Ecosystems, 6(2), 78-89.
