Evaluation of seed treatment insecticides for management of the rice water weevil,Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in commercial rice fields in Louisiana

The rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is the most injurious insect pest in US rice production. Yield losses in excess of 25% can occur from severe infestations. Management demonstrations were conducted in the 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 growing seasons to evaluate the use of commercially available insecticides to control L. oryzophilus in commercial rice fields. The demonstration tests, conducted on farms throughout Louisiana, compared the efficacies of recently registered seed treatment insecticides to untreated controls and to foliar applications of pyrethroids. Efficacy was assessed by collecting root/soil core samples three to four weeks after application of permanent flood and counting numbers of larvae and pupae in core samples. Tests were replicated across locations in multiple rice-producing Louisiana parishes. Densities of larvae and pupae in core samples exceeded the larval threshold (three larvae or pupae per core sample) in over 80% of untreated plots/cuts, confirming the ubiquity and severity of this insect as a pest of rice. Use of chlorantraniliprole (Dermacor^® X-100, DuPont™ Crop Protection, Wilmington, DE), thiamethoxam (CruiserMaxx^® Rice, Syngenta^® Crop Protection, Greensboro, NC), and clothianidin (NipsIt Inside^®, Valent^® USA Corporation, Walnut Creek, CA) seed treatments significantly reduced L. oryzophilus infestation compared to untreated checks. Fewer larvae and pupae were observed in rice treated with chlorantraniliprole than in rice treated with other insecticides.     

Insecticides applied to soil of transplant plugs for Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) management in broccoli

Chemical control with insecticides, typically applied as foliar sprays or chemigation, is the primary tactic used to manage Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). We evaluated the efficacy of 14 insecticides, including both systemic and non-systemic insecticides, against B. hilaris applied as a seedling tray drench. Experiments were conducted in both greenhouse and field settings. In all experiments, we used the maximum label rate of insecticides and calculated dose per seedling based on this rate and standard plant density per hectare. Each seedling in the tray received 2-mL insecticide solution, and the seedlings were then exposed to B. hilaris adults after transplanting in cages for greenhouse experiments or natural B. hilaris populations in the field experiments. A scale system (0–4) was used to evaluate the severity of B. hilaris feeding injury on leaves where 0 = no injury and 4 = >75% of the leaf margins with B. hilaris feeding injury. We evaluated damage using the rating system, percentage of damaged leaves, number of feeding injury sites, as well as plant height, leaf width, and fresh and dry weight. In the greenhouse experiment, percentage of injured leaves, number of injury sites, and damage rating were significantly lower for transplants treated with acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam, and cyclaniliprole compared with the untreated. There was a relationship between feeding injury sites and plant height, leaf width, fresh and dry weight (R² > 0.5) in both 2015 field experiments. Similarly, the transplants treated with acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, thiamethoxam + chlorantraniliprole, imidacloprid + β-cyfluthrin and cyclaniliprole had significantly lower damage ratings than those treated with chlorpyrifos, bifenthrin, tolfenpyrad, flonicamid, cyantraniliprole, spinetoram and the untreated control. For transplanted broccoli, treatment of transplant plugs with neonicotinoid insecticides prior to planting can be an effective method for controlling B. hilaris.     

Insecticidal efficacy of phosphine fumigation at low pressure against major stored-product insect species in a commercial dried fig processing facility

We investigated the application of phosphine at low pressure for various exposure durations against major stored-product insects in a commercial dried fig processing facility in Central Greece. Trials were carried out inside a chamber, in which phosphine, in the form of aluminium phosphide pellets, was introduced with the use of a phosphine generator. The generator unit was also equipped with a vacuum pump to achieve low pressure inside the chamber. The chamber was filled with pallets with boxes containing figs. The insects tested were Tribolium confusum (all life stages), Ephestia elutella (eggs and larvae), Sitophilus oryzae (adults), Sitophilus granarius (adults), Rhyzopertha dominica (adults), Oryzaephilus surinamensis (adults) and Prostephanus truncatus (adults). Moreover, wheat grains containing immature stages of S. oryzae were also used. All insect-life stage combinations were exposed to phosphine at low pressure for 18, 48 and 72 h. In most cases, significant differences in mortality of insects treated with phosphine at low pressure compared to the control treatments were recorded. However, complete control (100%) was recorded only in the case of O. surinamensis adults and T. confusum larvae after exposure for 48 and 72 h, respectively. We conclude that the combined application of phosphine and low pressure at short exposure durations (up to 72 h) cannot provide sufficient control at least against the stored-product insect species and life stages tested in the present study.     

Time-mortality relationships of larvae and adults of grain beetles exposed to extreme cold

Mortality effects of low temperature exposure to −16 °C were investigated on larvae and adults of the grain beetles Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) and Trogoderma granarium (Everts) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), in the laboratory. The main effects and interactions of exposure time (0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h), developmental stage (larva and adult) and individual’s age (young and old) were examined. After 4 h of exposure 100% mortality has been achieved in most of the treatments. The only exceptions were that of old larvae of T. granarium and O. surinamensis, and adults of T. granarium which needed 48, 8, and 24 h, respectively. T. granarium was the most cold-hardy species irrespective of developmental stage, and age, followed in decreasing order by O. surinamensis and T. confusum. Younger adults were generally more susceptible to cold in the cases of O. surinamensis and T. confusum. On the contrary, older adults of T. granarium suffered higher mortality than younger ones. Larvae of T. granarium were generally more cold-tolerant than adults but the opposite pattern was observed in O. surinamensis and T. confusum. Main effects of exposure time, developmental stage and individual’s age on mortality proved to be significant for all species, with the exception of T. granarium where the effect of developmental stage proved to be insignificant. Lethal time values were estimated via probit analysis. Values of LT₅₀ ranged between 0.7 and 1.0 h for T. confusum, 0.7-1.9 h for O. surinamensis and 1.2-3.4 h for T. granarium. Our results are discussed with findings from relevant studies and the possibility of including extreme cooling to IPM programs against stored product pests is investigated.     

Insecticidal effect of two novel pyrrole derivatives against two major stored product insect species

Several pyrrole compounds exhibit insecticidal properties against a wide range of insect pest species. In the present work, the insecticidal effect of the two new pyrrole derivatives, ethyl 3-(benzylthio)-4,6-dioxo-5-phenyl-2,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-carboxylate (3i) and isopropyl 3-(benzylthio)-4,6-dioxo-5-phenyl-2,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-carboxylate (3k) were studied as stored-grain protectants (maize and barley) against two major stored-product insect species, the confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum Jaquelin du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) adults and larvae and the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae at three doses (0.1, 1 and 10 ppm) and five exposure intervals (1, 2, 7, 14 and 21d). All T. confusum adults were dead at all doses on barley treated with 3i after 21d of exposure, while for 3k mortality was >92%. Progeny production was very low (≤1 individual per vial) at all doses for both pyrrole derivatives. Mortality of T. confusum larvae was not complete with any dose of both pyrrole derivatives but it exceeded 96% with 3k at 10 ppm after 21d of exposure on maize. For barley, all exposed larvae were found dead at all doses of both pyrrole derivates after 7d of exposure. Mortality of E. kuehniella larvae was complete at 1 and 10 ppm of 3i and all doses of 3k at 7d of exposure. After 14d of exposure, all E. kuehniella larvae were dead at 0.1 ppm of 3i. The results of the present study indicate that the tested compounds have elevated insecticidal effect against both species tested on certain combinations of dose, exposure interval and type of commodity.     

Biological response of chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), to various regimes of chemical and biorational insecticides

The chilli thrips Scirtothrips dorsalis (Hood) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), a new invasive pest in the USA, is an economically important pest of certain vegetable, ornamental and fruit crops in southern and eastern Asia, Oceania and parts of Africa. These crops cannot be protected from the pest without resorting to the use of chemical insecticides. In order to forestall or delay the development of insecticide resistance in S. dorsalis, we continued our focus on the discovery of insecticides with different modes of action for rotational use. In this study we evaluated candidate insecticides to control S. dorsalis on ‘Jalapeno’ pepper, Capsicum annuum L.; these materials belong to different IRAC mode of action classes as follows: (i) 4A – neonicotinoids, i.e., imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and dinotefuran, (ii) 5 – spinosyns, i.e., spinosad and spinetoram, (iii) 3A – pyrethroids, i.e., β-cyfluthrin, esfenvalerate, ζ-cypermethrin and λ-cyhalothrin and (iv) 8D – borax mixed together with orange oil and detergents in the TriCon^® formulation. In addition we evaluated the entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana (Botanigard^®) alone and in combination with the borax formulation at ½ of their usual rates of application. Each of the 3 neonicotinoid insecticides when applied either as a single foliar spray or as a soil drench significantly suppressed both adults and larvae for at least 10 days; indeed imidacloprid did so for 15 days. Dinotefuran was more effective as a foliar spray than as a soil drench. Spinosyns applied as a single foliar spray, significantly suppressed both adults and larvae through 15 days after treatment (DAT). None of the 4 pyrethroids provided significant suppression of either adults or larvae. The borax formulation suppressed adults and larvae through 10 DAT. B. bassiana significantly suppressed only the larvae at 5 DAT and not at 10 DAT. This study brings the number of insecticides known to be effective against S. dorsalis to 10 and these belong to 7 different modes of action classes. The use of such insecticides in rotation belonging to different classes will help delay the development of insecticide resistance in S. dorsalis.     

Impacts of orchard pesticides on Galendromus occidentalis: Lethal and sublethal effects

Fifteen pesticides were tested in laboratory bioassays on Galendromus occidentalis (Nesbitt), the principal phytoseiid mite predator in Washington apple orchards. We developed a rating system for pesticides using lethal and sublethal effects, and applied the rating system to our results. At the 1× dose, only spinetoram and lambda-cyhalothrin caused >75% acute mortality of females. Carbaryl, azinphos methyl, spinosad, spirotetramat, cyantraniliprole, and sulfur had relatively little effect on mortality, but moderate to high effects on fecundity. Egg viability was most affected by carbaryl, spinosad, novaluron, spirotetramat, and sulfur. Lambda-cyhalothrin, spinosad, and sulfur were the most toxic compounds to larvae. Materials such as sulfur and spinetoram had widely divergent toxicity to adults versus larvae. The cumulative impact of these effects was best integrated by the numbers of live larvae of the F₁ generation. Using this measurement, spirotetramat, sulfur, spinetoram, acetamiprid, lambda-cyhalothrin, carbaryl and novaluron caused the greatest percentage reduction compared to the check, yet only spinetoram and lambda-cyhalothrin would have been identified as harmful in acute bioassays. These bioassays provide support for the benefits of measuring a range of sublethal effects and testing multiple life stages to provide an accurate assessment of the harmfulness of reduced-risk pesticides.     

Monitoring of insecticide resistance in Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) from citrus groves of Punjab,Pakistan

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama being a vector of huanglongbing (HLB), citrus greening disease is the most destructive pest of citrus and the management of D. citri is crucial for successful control of HLB. We evaluated adult populations of D. citri from twelve districts of Punjab, Pakistan for resistance to seven different insecticides. Different levels of resistance ratios were observed for all insecticides (chlorpyrifos, bifenthrin, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, thiamethoxam, nitenpyram and chlorfenapyr). Field collected populations of D. citri were highly resistant to imidacloprid as compared to the susceptible population. The resistance ratios were in range of 236.6–759.5, 55.5–212.8, 13.1–46.4, 31.4–216.7, 8.6–89.4-fold for imidacloprid, acetamiprid, chlorfenapyr, nitenpyram, and thiamethoxam, respectively and 39.8–107.1 and 32.7–124.5-fold in case of conventional insecticides i.e., bifenthrin and chlorpyrifos, respectively. Nitenpyram and thiamethoxam, with no or very low resistance should be used in combination or in rotation with other pest management tactics for managing resistance in D. citri. The correlation analysis of the LC₅₀'s of insecticides showing positive and negative correlations among different insecticides in all tested populations, suggests mechanism of cross-resistance. Imidacloprid showed a positive correlation with acetamaprid, but a negative correlation with thiamethoxam from the neonicotenoid group, while the resistance to chlorfenpyr positively correlated with chlorpyrifos and bifenthrin in the pyrethroid group. Multiple resistance mechanisms could be the reason behind the development of such a high resistance in the D. citri.     

High level of metaflumizone resistance and multiple insecticide resistance in field populations of Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Guangdong Province,China

Spodoptera exigua is a phytophagous pest that causes critical economic losses in vegetable crops, and insecticides are commonly used against it in vegetable growing areas. However, excessive and frequent applications of insecticides cause resistance in S. exigua. The current resistance in field populations of S. exigua collected from Huizhou, Guangdong Province, China to 12 insecticides was investigated. S. exiguahad developed very high resistance to lambda cyhalothrin (2925- to 3449-fold), chlorpyrifos (>1786-fold), emamectin benzoate (174- to 867-fold), and metaflumizone (60.3- to 942-fold). High resistance to tebufenozide (51.5- to 75.4-fold) and chlorfluazuron (60.4- to 63.0-fold) was also found. Synergism assays revealed that the resistance to metaflumizone and lambda cyhalothrin was associated with esterase and microsomal oxidases, respectively. The resistance to emamectin benzoate was not affected by detoxification enzymes inhibitors and might be conferred by other mechanisms. The selection of the field population by metaflumizone for 10generations in the laboratory resulted in a 6.1-fold increase in metaflumizone resistance but did not lead to increases in resistance to other insecticides. After metaflumizone selection, susceptibilities to spinosad and endosulfan did not change, and the susceptibilities to indoxacarb, methomyl, pyridalyl, tebufenozide, chlorfluazuron, emamectin benzoate and lambda cyhalothrin decreased slightly. However, no statistically significant differences in the resistance levels were observed among the selected population, its starting strain and the unselected strain. The resistance to chlorantraniliprole noticeably decreased in unselected strain and the strain subjected to selection for 10 generations compared with their starting strains. Lack of cross-resistance to tested insecticides suggested the involvement of multiple mechanisms of resistance and the need for wise application of these insecticides for the management of S. exigua.     

Management of Bemisia tabaci biotype B with botanical and mineral oils

While the toxic effects of neem, Azadirachta indica A. Juss, on Bemisia tabaci Genn. are well documented, few studies have evaluated other oils. We compared neem, sesame, citrus, castor, vegetable and mineral oils (1% v/v) to a chemical standard thiamethoxam (0.17 g A.I./L) against B. tabaci biotype B life stages on dry bean plants Phaseolus vulgaris L. under screenhouse conditions. Oils and thiamethoxam exhibited low ovicidal activity (<10% egg mortality). However, significant mortality occurred due to the residual activity to 1st instars that emerged from treated eggs. Overall, impacts of egg treatments were greatest for thiamethoxam (77% total mortality for eggs and 1st instars) compared with oils which were statistically similar (22–29% mortality). Larvicidal effect of oils (against 2nd instars) was greater than ovicidal effects. Highest nymphal mortality (>81%) was achieved with castor, sesame, citrus and neem oils, which was significantly greater than for thiamethoxam (65% mortality). Adult whiteflies were exposed to fresh and aged spray residues, rather than being sprayed directly. In this case, comparatively lower efficacy was achieved from oil treatments compared with thiamethoxam. While some mortality was observed from fresh residues of slow drying oils (up to 41% for castor oil), no significant control from any oil residues >3 days old was observed in our tests. The different route of exposure against adults likely reduced the effectiveness of oil treatments which act directly on the cuticle. In trials with viruliferous adult whiteflies exposed to fresh residues, none of the tested products completely prevented transmission of bean golden mosaic virus (BGMV). However, we noted reduced virus severity ratings from plants pre-treated with castor and citrus oil. We conclude that castor, sesame, citrus and neem oils have the potential to be used in whitefly management programs.     

Insecticidal efficacy of two pirimiphos-methyl formulations for the control of three stored-product beetle species: Effect of commodity

Laboratory bioassays were conducted to evaluate the insecticidal effect of two pirimiphos-methyl formulations, an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) and a capsule suspension (CS) against adults of Sitophilus oryzae, Rhyzopertha dominica and Tribolium confusum in wheat, maize and rice. Pirimiphos-methyl was applied at two dose rates, 2 and 4 ppm, and adult mortality was measured after 2, 7, 14 and 21 days of exposure in the treated commodity. Progeny production was assessed 65 d after the removal of the parental adults. S. oryzae adult survival was significantly higher in rice than in wheat and maize, whereas T. confusum mortality was significantly higher in maize than in the other grains. From the species tested, the most susceptible species was S. oryzae, for which mortality reached 100% after 7 days of exposure in treated wheat and maize, followed by T. confusum and R. dominica. Progeny production was significantly suppressed by pirimiphos-methyl in the case of S. oryzae, but not in the case of R. dominica. In general, only few differences in performance between the EC and the CS formulation were detected. We conclude that the type of grain commodity significantly affects mortality after the application of the two pirimiphos-methyl formulations tested, but this effect is species-dependent.     

Toxicity and residual activity of spinetoram to neonate larvae of Grapholita molesta (Busck) and Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae): Semi-field and laboratory trials

Spinetoram is a fermentation insecticide, derived from the actinomycete Saccharopolyspora spinosa. It works by disrupting the GABA-gated chloride channels and by causing persistent activation of insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of spinetoram for control of neonate larvae of both oriental fruit moth (OFM) Grapholita molesta (Busck) and codling moth (CM) Cydia pomonella (L.) in semi-field and laboratory trials. OFM and CM neonate larvae responded similarly to spinetoram, which showed high efficacy on both species. In semi-field experiments, regression analysis of the percentage of damaged fruits as a function of days after treatment showed a better performance of the highest spinetoram dose (10 g a.i./hl) in comparison with the maximum recommended field dose of the reference product emamectin benzoate (2.85 g a.i./hl). Surface-treated diet assays revealed LC₅₀ values of 6.59 and 8.44 ng a.i./cm² for neonate larvae of OFM and CM larvae, respectively. High percentages of mortality were recorded on both species after 24-h exposure to treated diet. For these reasons spinetoram could be considered a valuable tool in IPM strategies for OFM and CM control.     

新烟碱类及其他稻田杀虫剂对褐飞虱的室内药效评价

【目的】系统评价市场上常用杀虫剂对褐飞虱不同虫态的作用特性，为选择对口药剂进行防治提供依据。【方法】采用稻苗浸渍法，在室内条件下测定了9种新烟碱类药剂和10种其他类型杀虫剂对褐飞虱不同虫态的杀虫活性、速效性和持效性。【结果】1)杀虫活性：不同杀虫剂活性存在显著差异。其中，烯啶虫胺、噻虫胺、毒死蜱、氟啶虫胺腈、呋虫胺和环氧虫啶活性最好，其次为哒嗪硫磷、乙基多杀菌素、吡蚜酮、异丙威，阿维菌素；其余药剂中噻虫嗪、甲维盐、氟啶虫酰胺对2~3龄若虫有一定活性而对4~5龄虫活性差，噻嗪酮、吡虫啉、噻虫啉、啶虫脒、氯噻啉对两种虫态的活性均较差。2)速效性：毒死蜱、哒嗪硫磷的速效性最好，异丙威、呋虫胺、烯啶虫胺、噻虫胺等次之，吡蚜酮最差。3)持效性：吡蚜酮、呋虫胺、烯啶虫胺、噻虫胺、环氧虫啶持效期>15 d，其中吡蚜酮最好，药后0、5和10 d连续3批接的试虫死亡率无显著差异。4)成虫：呋虫胺、烯啶虫胺、噻虫胺、环氧虫啶、毒死蜱、异丙威、吡蚜酮对雌雄成虫均有效，类似于若虫。5)卵：毒死蜱、烯啶虫胺、呋虫胺和噻虫胺对卵及孵化的若虫均有效；吡蚜酮、环氧虫啶、异丙威等无明显杀卵活性，但吡蚜酮对孵化若虫有较好的杀虫活性。【结论】19种药剂中，适于褐飞虱防治的有吡蚜酮、烯啶虫胺、呋虫胺、噻虫胺、环氧虫啶、氟啶虫胺腈、毒死蜱、哒嗪硫磷、异丙威共9种。其中，吡蚜酮持效性最佳且对卵之外各虫态活性较好，但速效性最差。呋虫胺、烯啶虫胺、噻虫胺和环氧虫啶等的速效性、持效性均较突出，且前三者对各虫态均有效。氟啶虫胺腈杀虫活性和速效性均好，但持效性差于新烟碱类。毒死蜱和哒嗪硫磷可单独或在防治其他害虫时兼防治褐飞虱，其中毒死蜱速效性最好，适合于大虫量时快速压低虫量。异丙威杀虫活性弱于新烟碱类，但速效性强于新烟碱类药剂，适合与吡蚜酮等混用或复配。此外，用于鳞翅目害虫防治的乙基多杀菌素、阿维菌素、甲维盐对褐飞虱有一定活性，适合防治其他害虫时兼治褐飞虱。而其余药剂如吡虫啉、噻嗪酮、噻虫嗪等7种药剂不适用于褐飞虱的防治。     

新烟碱类及其他稻田杀虫剂对褐飞虱的室内药效评价

【目的】 系统评价市场上常用杀虫剂对褐飞虱不同虫态的作用特性,为选择对口药剂进行防治提供依据。【方法】 采用稻苗浸渍法,在室内条件下测定了9种新烟碱类药剂和10种其他类型杀虫剂对褐飞虱不同虫态的杀虫活性、速效性和持效性。【结果】 1)杀虫活性：不同杀虫剂活性存在显著差异。其中,烯啶虫胺、噻虫胺、毒死蜱、氟啶虫胺腈、呋虫胺和环氧虫啶活性最好,其次为哒嗪硫磷、乙基多杀菌素、吡蚜酮、异丙威,阿维菌素;其余药剂中噻虫嗪、甲维盐、氟啶虫酰胺对2~3龄若虫有一定活性而对4~5龄虫活性差,噻嗪酮、吡虫啉、噻虫啉、啶虫脒、氯噻啉对两种虫态的活性均较差。2)速效性：毒死蜱、哒嗪硫磷的速效性最好,异丙威、呋虫胺、烯啶虫胺、噻虫胺等次之,吡蚜酮最差。3)持效性：吡蚜酮、呋虫胺、烯啶虫胺、噻虫胺、环氧虫啶持效期>15 d,其中吡蚜酮最好,药后0、5和10 d连续3批接的试虫死亡率无显著差异。4)成虫：呋虫胺、烯啶虫胺、噻虫胺、环氧虫啶、毒死蜱、异丙威、吡蚜酮对雌雄成虫均有效,类似于若虫。5)卵：毒死蜱、烯啶虫胺、呋虫胺和噻虫胺对卵及孵化的若虫均有效;吡蚜酮、环氧虫啶、异丙威等无明显杀卵活性,但吡蚜酮对孵化若虫有较好的杀虫活性。【结论】 19种药剂中,适于褐飞虱防治的有吡蚜酮、烯啶虫胺、呋虫胺、噻虫胺、环氧虫啶、氟啶虫胺腈、毒死蜱、哒嗪硫磷、异丙威共9种。其中,吡蚜酮持效性最佳且对卵之外各虫态活性较好,但速效性最差。呋虫胺、烯啶虫胺、噻虫胺和环氧虫啶等的速效性、持效性均较突出,且前三者对各虫态均有效。氟啶虫胺腈杀虫活性和速效性均好,但持效性差于新烟碱类。毒死蜱和哒嗪硫磷可单独或在防治其他害虫时兼防治褐飞虱,其中毒死蜱速效性最好,适合于大虫量时快速压低虫量。异丙威杀虫活性弱于新烟碱类,但速效性强于新烟碱类药剂,适合与吡蚜酮等混用或复配。此外,用于鳞翅目害虫防治的乙基多杀菌素、阿维菌素、甲维盐对褐飞虱有一定活性,适合防治其他害虫时兼治褐飞虱。而其余药剂如吡虫啉、噻嗪酮、噻虫嗪等7种药剂不适用于褐飞虱的防治。     

Persistence and efficacy of spinosad on wheat,maize and barley grains against four major stored product pests

The insecticidal and residual effect of spinosad on wheat, maize and barley grain was evaluated in the laboratory against adults of Sitophilus oryzae (F.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae), Tribolium confusum (DuVal) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae) as well as against larvae of T. confusum. Spinosad was applied as a solution to 2 kg lots of each commodity at three concentrations, 0.1, 0.5 and 1 ppm, and the treated grain quantities were kept at 25 °C and 65% RH. Samples were taken from each concentration-commodity combination at the day of storage and every 30 d for 6 consecutive months (6 bioassays). The test species were exposed for 14 d to the samples and mortality and reproduction were assessed over this exposure interval. With the exception of T. confusum, 1 ppm of spinosad was highly effective against the remainder of the tested species and provided protection for a period of storage at least 4 months. Although in general, spinosad performance was not very much affected by the grain type, efficacy on maize was less stable over the 6-month period of storage and declined sooner compared to the other commodities. Spinosad almost suppressed progeny production of R. dominica during the storage period, but did not suppress progeny of the other species, since progeny were recorded even 30 d post application especially with the lowest of the tested concentrations. The results of this study indicated that spinosad may provide suitable protection for 6 months against S. oryzae or R. dominica, but is not suitable for long-term protection against T. confusum or C. ferrugineus.     

Acute toxicity and sublethal effects of methoxyfenozide and thiodicarb on survival,development and reproduction of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) is one of the most destructive pest insects in Iran and many other countries. In this study, lethal and sublethal effects of methoxyfenozide, and thiodicarb were evaluated against H. armigera larvae that fed on insecticide-treated artificial diet. The effects of methoxyfenozide and thiodicarb were assessed in 3rd instars. Methoxyfenozide and thiodicarb showed LC₅₀ values of 4 and 639 mg a.i./ml, respectively, in H. armigera larvae. Sublethal effects on development, adult longevity, and reproduction were observed in H. armigera larvae that survived exposure to an LC₃₀ of the insecticides. Larvae that were exposed to an LC₃₀ concentration of methoxyfenozide exhibited lower pupal weight and increased larval and pupal developmental times compared with thiodicarb treated larvae or control larvae. Adults that were exposed as larvae to an LC₃₀ concentration of methoxyfenozide or thiodicarb showed reduced fecundity (35% and 30%, respectively) compared to control adults. The tested insecticides significantly reduced adult longevity. The longevity of adult females that as larvae were treated with an LC₃₀ concentration of methoxyfenozide or thiodicarb was reduced by 28% and 23%, respectively, in comparison to control females. We predict that the combination of lethal and sublethal effects of the insecticides, especially methoxyfenozide, will induce significant effects on field population dynamics of H. armigera.     

Azadirachtin avoidance by larvae and adult females of the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta

The tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta is a serious worldwide threat to tomato production and its control in open-field tomato has relied heavily on synthetic insecticides, which however are not allowed in organic tomato cultivation. Furthermore, insecticide resistance to synthetic insecticides is already a major concern in populations of the tomato leafminer. Azadirachtin is one of the main biorational pesticides in use today, particularly in organic farming, and has potential as an alternative to conventional insecticides for such use. However, the effects of neem-based products of high azadirachtin content on the tomato leafminer have been little studied and very little is known of their sublethal behavioral effects on this pest species. Here we assessed the insecticidal effect of a commercial neem-based formulation (as a source of azadirachtin) against two populations of the tomato leafminer and its behavioral effects on egg-laying preferences, walking by larvae and leaf-mining. Azadirachtin caused heavy mortality in insect larvae allowing only 2.5–3.5% survival at the Brazilian recommended field-concentration (i.e., 27 mg a.i./L) with negligible difference between the populations tested. Azadirachtin also caused egg-laying avoidance (under free-choice conditions, but not in no-choice conditions) and affected walking by larvae, but not leaf-mining. These results indicate the potential of azadirachtin not only as an insecticide potentially important for organic farming, but also as an egg-laying deterrent minimizing T. absoluta infestation although it may also favor escape by larvae to exposure since it sparks behavioral avoidance.     

Can resistance in Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) be overcome with mixtures of neonicotinoids and insect growth regulators?

Tobacco whitefly, Bemisia tabaci is an important polyphagous insect pest which has developed resistance to various insecticides worldwide. Mixtures of insecticides with different modes of action may delay the onset of resistance. Bioassays were performed to investigate the effects of various mixtures of neonicotinoid and insect growth regulator (IGR) insecticides against a susceptible and a resistant strain. The results of the study showed that potentiation ratio (PR) of all neonicotinoids + buprofezin or pyriproxyfen mixtures at 1:1, 10:1 and 20:1 ratios was greater than 1 suggesting synergistic interactions between insecticides. Maximum potentiation occurred at the 1:1 ratio (PR = 1.69–7.56). The PRs for mixture of acetamiprid, thiamethoxam, thiacloprid or nitenpyram with buprofezin or pyriproxyfen at 1:10 and 1:20 ratios were less than 1 indicating antagonistic interactions. Addition of synergists, S, S, S, tri-butyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF) or piperonyl butoxide (PBO) in the insecticide solutions largely overcame the resistance to all tested neonicotinoids, indicating that the resistance was associated with esterases or mono-oxygenases, respectively. Likewise, addition of both DEF and PBO in mixture with neonicotinoids and IGRs also suggested a similar mechanism of resistance in B. tabaci to the tested insecticide groups. The mechanism of synergism between neonicotinoids and IGRs is unclear. Implications of using mixtures to counteract pesticide resistance are discussed. Mixtures of neonicotinoids with buprofezin or pyriproxyfen at a 1:1 ratio could be used to restore the efficacy of these neonicotinoids against B. tabaci.     

Toxic effects of neem-based insecticides on Pieris brassicae (Linn.)

Four neem-based insecticides, Neemix^® (0.25% EC @ 20 mg azadirachtin/liter), Ecozin^® (3% EC @ 20 mg azadirachtin/liter), Agroneem^® (0.15% EC @ 4.8 mg azadirachtin/liter) and Neem oil (0.25% EC azadirachtin @ 20 mg azadirachtin/liter) and a non-commercial neem leaf powder, were evaluated for oviposition deterrence, antifeedant effect to larvae and toxicity to eggs and larvae of Pieris brassicae (Linn.) on cabbage leaves in the laboratory. The concentrations tested were with in the ranges of recommended field rates. Oviposition deterrence in no-choice, two-choice and six-choice assays, was observed for all the treatments. They exhibited significant (P < 0.01) oviposition deterrence on P. brassicae when compared with a non-treated control. Cabbage leaves treated with the neem-based insecticides were used as an egg-laying substrate. Numbers of eggs oviposited by P. brassicae adults on treated cabbage leaves were significantly lower then those treated with water, but no significant differences were detected among the neem insecticides. They also deterred feeding by Pieris larvae and exhibited significant antifeedant effects. Larvae of P. brassicae on treated leaves stopped feeding and dropped from the leaf, resulting in no or minimal damage. Direct contact with neem-based insecticides decreased the survival of eggs. Survival of larvae fed for 9 days on leaves treated with neem-based insecticides was reduced to 51%, 49%, 48%, 24% and 18% in the Neem oil, Neemix, Agroneem, Ecozin and neem leaf powder treatments, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded from the present investigations that neem-based insecticides had oviposition deterrence, antifeedant and toxic effect to P. brassicae.     

新烟碱类及其他稻田杀虫剂对褐飞虱的室内药效评价

【目的】系统评价市场上常用杀虫剂对褐飞虱不同虫态的作用特性,为选择对口药剂进行防治提供依据。【方法】采用稻苗浸渍法,在室内条件下测定了9种新烟碱类药剂和10种其他类型杀虫剂对褐飞虱不同虫态的杀虫活性、速效性和持效性。【结果】1)杀虫活性:不同杀虫剂活性存在显著差异。其中,烯啶虫胺、噻虫胺、毒死蜱、氟啶虫胺腈、呋虫胺和环氧虫啶活性最好,其次为哒嗪硫磷、乙基多杀菌素、吡蚜酮、异丙威,阿维菌素;其余药剂中噻虫嗪、甲维盐、氟啶虫酰胺对2~3龄若虫有一定活性而对4~5龄虫活性差,噻嗪酮、吡虫啉、噻虫啉、啶虫脒、氯噻啉对两种虫态的活性均较差。2)速效性:毒死蜱、哒嗪硫磷的速效性最好,异丙威、呋虫胺、烯啶虫胺、噻虫胺等次之,吡蚜酮最差。3)持效性:吡蚜酮、呋虫胺、烯啶虫胺、噻虫胺、环氧虫啶持效期>15d,其中吡蚜酮最好,药后0、5和10 d连续3批接的试虫死亡率无显著差异。4)成虫:呋虫胺、烯啶虫胺、噻虫胺、环氧虫啶、毒死蜱、异丙威、吡蚜酮对雌雄成虫均有效,类似于若虫。5)卵:毒死蜱、烯啶虫胺、呋虫胺和噻虫胺对卵及孵化的若虫均有效;吡蚜酮、环氧虫啶、异丙威等无明显杀卵活性,但吡蚜酮对孵化若虫有较好的杀虫活性。【结论】19种药剂中,适于褐飞虱防治的有吡蚜酮、烯啶虫胺、呋虫胺、噻虫胺、环氧虫啶、氟啶虫胺腈、毒死蜱、哒嗪硫磷、异丙威共9种。其中,吡蚜酮持效性最佳且对卵之外各虫态活性较好,但速效性最差。呋虫胺、烯啶虫胺、噻虫胺和环氧虫啶等的速效性、持效性均较突出,且前三者对各虫态均有效。氟啶虫胺腈杀虫活性和速效性均好,但持效性差于新烟碱类。毒死蜱和哒嗪硫磷可单独或在防治其他害虫时兼防治褐飞虱,其中毒死蜱速效性最好,适合于大虫量时快速压低虫量。异丙威杀虫活性弱于新烟碱类,但速效性强于新烟碱类药剂,适合与吡蚜酮等混用或复配。此外,用于鳞翅目害虫防治的乙基多杀菌素、阿维菌素、甲维盐对褐飞虱有一定活性,适合防治其他害虫时兼治褐飞虱。而其余药剂如吡虫啉、噻嗪酮、噻虫嗪等7种药剂不适用于褐飞虱的防治。