Azadirachtin: its effects on gut motility, growth and moulting in Locusta

The biological effect of azadirachtin on fifth instar nymphs of Locusta migratoria migratorioides (R & F) have been studied in detail. Azadirachtin injection at the beginning of the instar results in a dose‐dependent range of developmental aberrations. Low concentrations (c. 1.7/μg/g body weight) result in adults with curled wing tips and reduced longevity; higher concentrations (c. 2.9μg/g) result in death during the imaginal moult; doses of c. 6.5μg/g cause death immediately prior to the moult; and doses of c. 7.3μg/g induce a greatly extended instar. Such doses are related to a proportionately slower growth rate of the insect and a significantly reduced food intake, as assessed by wet weight and faeces production. Doses of 80μg/g result in death within 24 h. Experiments in vivo and in vitro demonstrate a significant reduction with azadirachtin treatment in the rate of passage of food through the gut, and in gut motility. The significance of this direct effect on gut motility is discussed in relation to the mode of action of azadirachtin on growth and moulting.