Insecticide control of the potato tuberworm in late-crop potato foliage

The systemic insecticides, Dasanit^®, carbofuran (Furadan^®), phorate (Thimet^®), aldicarb (Temik^®) and disulfoton (Di-Syston^®) were applied in the planting furrow at 2–3 lb actual/acre for potato tuberworm (Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller)) control in Irish potato foliage. None of these compounds gave entirely satisfactory results. Dasanit was the best with slightly over 80% decrease in the number of mines and was followed closely by carbofuran; all treatments needed to be supplemented by foliage sprays for satisfactory tuberworm protection. Azinphosmethyl (Guthion^®) gave consistently outstanding results as a foliage spray at 0.5 lb/acre with over 99% tuberworm reduction. Other foliar-applied insecticides giving at least 98% tuberworm control included: Monitor^®, monocrotophos (Azodrin^®), phosphamidon, Orthene^®, Torak^®, methomyl (Lannate^®) and Dursban^® (all at 0.5 lb/acre) and Phosvel^® (1 lb/acre).     

Monitoring for MACE resistance in the tobacco-adapted form of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in the eastern United States

Organophosphate and carbamate insecticides exert their neurotoxic effects by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE), thereby, prolonging the action of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses, resulting in neuronal hyperexcitation. Mutations at the AChE target site confer modified acetylcholinesterase (MACE) phenotypes. Target-site insensitivity of AChE was characterized in field-collected, tobacco-adapted forms of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), from nine different states in the eastern United States from 2004 to 2007. The specific activity of the AChE among the 65 aphid colonies screened by Ellman's assay ranged from 0.017–0.259 U/min/mg protein. Eight colonies, with a wide range of specific activities were chosen to study the inhibition of AChE in the presence of two carbamate insecticides, methomyl and pirimicarb. IC₅₀ values for methomyl ranged from 0.35 to 2.4 μM, while six out of eight colonies had lower values that ranged from 0.16 to 0.30 μM for pirimicarb. Two colonies that were inhibited by methomyl had very high IC₅₀ values for pirimicarb, 40.4 and 98.6 μM respectively. The target-site insensitivity in these two colonies that are resistant to pirimicarb could be due to an ace2 gene mutation. This is the first instance where MACE phenotypes in M. persicae from the United States were studied and confirmed. The results indicate that the possible insensitivity due to MACE resistance in some colonies may render selected carbamate insecticides ineffective. Concerns of MACE resistance in managing the tobacco-adapted form of the green peach aphid on tobacco in the United States are discussed.     

Insecticide toxicity to three strains of green peach aphid (Myzus persicae Sulzer) reared on resistant and susceptible potato cultivars

Three green peach aphid (GPA) strains, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Homoptera: Aphididae) obtained from New York, Puerto Rico and Minnesota, were reared on resistant potato hybrid D888-4 and a susceptible cv. Red Pontiac. No significant differences in GPA mortality were observed when aphids were reared on either the resistant or susceptible potato cultivars and later exposed to methamidophos 4EC, pirimicarb 50 WP, azinphos-methyl 2EC or permethrin 2EC. The interaction between the four insecticides × three GPA strains was significant. Of the three aphid strains, those from Minnesota had the lowest susceptibility to permethrin, pirimicarb and azinophos-methyl. No mortality was observed in this GPA strain when tested with azinphosmethyl.     

Control of the Colorado potato beetle by treatment of potato seed pieces

Dusting or soaking freshly cut potato seed pieces in systemic insecticides controlled the first generation larvae of the Colorado potato beetle at Yakima, Washington in 1970. The most promising materials were tested again in a larger experiment in 1971. Fifty days after treatment, Bay 37344 (4-(methylthio)-3,5,xylyl methylcarbamate), Dasanit^® (O,O-diethyl-O-[p-(methylsulfinyl) phenyl] phosphorothioate), Shell SD 17250 (N-(methylcarbamoyl)oxy]thioacetimidic acid ester with 3-mercaptopropionitrile) and Plant Protection PP062 (dimethylamino)-4,5,6-dimethyl pyrimidinyl dimethylcarbamate) all gave significantly better control of the larvae than methomyl, azinphosmethyl and menazon.     

Comparative bioactivity of selected seed extracts from Brazilian Annona species and an acetogenin-based commercial bioinsecticide against Trichoplusia ni and Myzus persicae

The acute and chronic toxicity of ethanolic seed extracts from selected Brazilian Annona species (Annona montana Macfadyen, Annona mucosa Jacquin, Annona muricata Linnaeus, and Annona sylvatica A. St.-Hil) and an acetogenin-based commercial bioinsecticide (Anosom^®) were investigated against the cabbage looper Trichoplusia ni Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and the green peach aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). In the laboratory, extracts of A. mucosa and A. sylvatica as well as Anosom^® were especially active through oral and topical administration. A greenhouse trial showed that a formulated A. mucosa extract and Anosom^® were highly effective (>98% mortality) against third instar T. ni larvae, and comparable to a pyrethrin-based commercial insecticide (Insect Spray^®) used as a positive control. Similar to results with T. ni, A. mucosa extract showed the greatest aphicidal activity followed by A. sylvatica extract and Anosom^®. In another greenhouse trial, aphid population reduction from the formulated A. mucosa extract was superior to that provided by other treatments including the positive control. Though inferior to the A. mucosa extract, the acetogenin-based commercial insecticide (Anosom^®) and A. sylvatica extract also reduced aphid populations in a manner comparable to the positive control. Botanical insecticides based on these Annonaceae derivatives could be useful in the framework of Brassica IPM in Brazil and elsewhere, especially for organic production.     

Increased severity of Rhizoctonia root rot in sugar beet treated with systemic insecticides

The systemic insecticides aldicarb 15G (15% granules) at 2·6 kg active ingredient (a.i.)/ha and phorate 1OG (10% granules) at 1·7 kg a.i./ha, applied as side dressings about 1 month after planting in 1979 and 1980, significantly increased the severity of root rot, caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kühn, in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.). Carbofuran 10G (10% granules) at 2·2 kg a.i./ha also increased root rot, but not significantly. Numbers of harvestable roots were reduced by all treatments but significantly by phorate only. Both aldicarb and phorate were slightly fungistatic to R. solani when the pathogen was grown on potato-dextrose agar incorporating 0·5, 5·0, and 25 μg a.i./ml. Trichoderma sp., a potential antagonist of Rhizoctonia, was slightly inhibited by aldicarb and phorate initially, but soon overcame the effect. Thus, the increase in disease severity in the field may be attributable to some metabolic or physiological effect of the chemicals either on the host or on the infection process of the pathogen. Indiscriminate use of these insecticides should therefore be avoided in areas where root rot is prevalent but where insects are not a problem.     

Glandular pubescence,glycoalkaloid composition,and resistance to the green peach aphid,potato leafhopper,and potato fleabeetle inSolanum berthaultii

Fifteen accessions ofSolarium berthaultii Hawkes andS. berthaultii xS. tarijense Hawkes were assessed for resistance to field infestations of the green peach aphid,Myzus persicae (Sulzer), potato leafhopper,Empoasca fabae (Harris), and potato fleabeetle,Epitrix cucumeris (Harris). Accessions bearing both Type A and Type B glandular trichomes were much more resistant to the green peach aphid and potato leafhopper than accessions bearing Type A hairs alone. All accessions had significantly smaller populations of these 3 pests than S.tuberosum cultivars. Total glycoalkaloid (TGA) content of foliage and tubers was not correlated with insect populations. Foliar TGA levels of field-grown plants varied among accessions, ranging from < 2–240 mg/100 g fresh wt. Solasonine and solamargine were the major foliar glycoalkaloids while solamarines predominated in tubers.     

Effects of row application of insecticides at sowing on leaf miner (Pegomya betae) injury to sugar beet

Injury to the leaves of sugar-beet seedlings caused by the mining of Pegomya betae larvae was greatly decreased by applying insecticide granules in the furrow with the seed: carbofuran, carbosulfan, terbufos and aldicarb were very effective but bendiocarb was only partially effective. Carbosulfan applied as a band spray along the row was less effective than the better granule treatments, while band sprays of gamma-HCH, quinalphos and oxamyl were ineffective or even increased the incidence of damage.     

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.     

Systemic effect of aldicarb,dimethoate and ethiofencarb on mortality and population dynamics of the spirea aphid, Aphis citricola Van der Goot

A bioassay using detached citrus leaves, the petioles of which were immersed in solutions containing insecticides, was used to assess the systemic activity of aldicarb, dimethoate and ethiofencarb on the spirea aphid, Aphis citricola Van der Goot (Homoptera: Aphididae). At identical concentrations in the treatment solutions the order of toxicity to insects of these compounds was aldicarb > dimethoate > ethiofencarb. The toxicity of the residue of aldicarb in the leaves (LC₅₀=2·5 μg/g) resembled that of dimethoate (LC₅₀=1·8 μg/g) and both were more potent than ethiofencarb (LC₅₀=30 μg/g). The amount of aldicarb accumulated in the leaves, 3 days after application, was 25±0·5% of that present in the treatment solution, compared with 4±0·4% of dimethoate and 3±0·3% of ethiofencarb. Thus, the more efficient uptake of aldicarb may be the reason for its high toxicity. When sublethal concentrations of aldicarb incorporated in treatment solutions were taken up by detached leaves, a significant reduction in the pre-reproductive development time, and increased longevity and fecundity were observed. This hormoligosis phenomenon was further emphasized by a considerable increase in aphid weight. This effect seems to be plant mediated, as it was not observed when aldicarb was added to a synthetic diet. Dimethoate showed an effect similar to that of aldicarb, but less pronounced and not statistically significant, whereas ethiofencarb had no such effect.     

Effectiveness of carbofuran applied to the soil and as a seed treatment for the control of aphids on wheat in Northwestern Mexico

The effectiveness of carbofuran 300 ST and 350 L applied to the soil and as a seed treatment was evaluated with two wheat cultivars ‘Genaro’ and ‘Sonoyta’ in the Valle del Yaqui, Ciudad Obregon, Sonora in Northwestern Mexico. Both the soil and seed treatment significantly (P < 0·05) reduced greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) and corn leaf aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) populations. Infestations of greenbugs and corn leaf aphids were 97·8% and 98·3% less, respectively, with the soil application of carbofuran 350 L in the Genaro wheat plots and 91% less for both aphids in the Sonoyta wheat plots than on the untreated controls. Greenbug and corn leaf aphid infestations in the seed treatment with carbofuran 300 ST on the Genaro wheat plots were 93·4% and 52·5% less, respectively, and in the Sonoyta wheat plots, infestations of greenbugs and corn leaf aphids were 92% and 78·9% less, respectively, than on the untreated controls. The wheat plots where carbofuran 350 L was applied to the soil had yields 18% and 16% greater for the Genaro and Sonoyta cultivars, respectively, than the untreated controls, while those plots where carbofuran 300 ST was applied as a seed treatment had yields 15% and 12% greater for the Genaro and Sonoyta cultivars, respectively, than the untreated controls.     

Influence of chemical seed and soil treatments onVerticillium-induced yield reduction and tuber defects

Experiments were conducted in 1969 and 1970 to determine the influence of chemical treatments of seed pieces and soil on the development ofVerticillium wilt as measured by tuber yield increases and reduction in severity of tuber defects. The influence of storage onVerticillium-induced tuber defects was evaluated. Seed treatment chemicals tested included zinc ion maneb, maneb, maneb-chloroneb, Polyram, benomyl, and thiabendazole. Soil treatment chemicals included O-Diethyl (O-methyl-sulfinyl) phenyl phosphoro-thioate, disulfoton, phorate, carbofuran, aldicarb, ethyl 4 (methyl- thio)-m-tolyl isopropyl phosphor amidate, benomyl, and thiabendazole. Inoculated seed pieces and artificially infested plot areas were used the first year while the second year natural inoculum from a previous crop was the source of infection. Kennebec and Katahdin cultivars were tested in 1969 and Kennebec alone in 1970. Verticillium-induced yield reductions and tuber defects were more severe in all respects with Kennebec than with Katahdin. With Katahdin the only significant evidence of infection was stem end discoloration. Seed treatments, with the exception of benomyl or thiabendazole, which were erratically phytotoxic, resulted in consistent yield increases and reduction in pink eye severity. In 1969 seed treatment reduced stem end browning in Kennebec. Soil treatment with disulfoton, carbofuran, and aldicarb, both alone and in combination with seed treatments resulted in consistent yield increases with Kennebec. The seed piece and soil treatment combinations tested in 1970 appeared to have an additive effect on yield increase from combination treatments equivalent to the gain from soil treatment alone plus seed treatment alone. The nematicide soil treatment materials did not influence yield. Tuber stem-end browning and pink eye defects in Kennebec did not increase in severity over a five month storage period.     

Green peach aphid resistance by glandular trichomes inSolanum tuberosum xS. berthaultii hybrids

Three interspecific F₃ hybrid clones ofSolarium tuberosum L. x 5.berthaultii Hawkes bearing both Type A and Type B glandular trichomes were assessed for resistance to the green peach aphid,Myzus persicae (Sulzer). In glasshouse trials, aphid mortality and population development on hybrid clones were similar to those on the aphid-resistant parent,S. berthaultii. Trichome exudate of the hybrid, B227-63, was as effective in aphid immobilization as that ofS. berthaultii. Field populations of the green peach aphid on hybrids were intermediate between those onS. berthaultii and susceptibleS. tuberosum cultivars.     

Populations of aphids on named varieties of Irish potatoes

Populations of the green peach aphid,Myzus persicae (Sulzer), and the potato aphid,Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas), were observed on 27 named varieties of Irish potatoes in the Yakima Valley of Washington intermittently from 1947 through 1968. The Epicure, Great Scot, and B5141-6 varieties produced relatively fewer green peach aphids than other varieties tested; Bliss Triumph and Red Pontiac produced relatively fewer potato aphids. Except for Doebay Red, the red-skinned varieties, Bliss Triumph, Red McLure, Norland, and Earnly Rose, were extremely to moderately productive of the green peach aphid. No correlation was apparent between abundance of aphids and the specific gravity or yield of tubers.     

Spraying potatoes to prevent leaf roll spread by the green peach aphid

Studies were made at Presque Isle, Maine, 1962–1966, to determine the suppressive effects of several materials against spread of the potato leaf roll cirus,Corium solani Holmes, transmitted by the green peach aphid,Myzus persicae (Sulzer), when applied as foliar sprays to Kennebec, Green Mountain, or Chippewa potatoes in field cages or in field plots. The early cage tests showed that spray mixtures containing 1% of the systemic plant growth regulant chlorocholine chloride (2-chloroethyltri-methylammonium chloride) or 1% of mineral oil were more effective than the insect antifeeding compound AC-24,055^® (=ENT-25,651), the aphid-repellent compounds ENT 20,430 or ENT 21,178, or the surfactants Sarkosyl-O^® (bis (2-ethylhexyl) sodium sulfosuccinate) or Aerosol-OT^® (CH₃ (CH₂)_n CON (CH₃) CH₂ COOH). Field tests disclosed that chlorocholine chloride at 5.2 lb or 2.6 lb/a/a was more effective when healthy green peach aphids were placed on infector plants in the plots soon after the plants were sprayed, 1 week later, or soon after the 2nd of 2 weekly applications than when the aphids were introduced before spraying. The difference in leaf roll suppression at these two dosages was not significant at the 5% level; as high as 90% control of leaf-roll spread was obtained. When only natural infestations of aphids were involved and field spread of the virus was light, the 86% control of leaf roll spread that was obtained from 4 weekly applications made in late June and in July was not significantly different (P=0.05) from the 79% control obtained from 2 biweekly applications made during the same period of time. The potato plants soon recovered from the slight chlorosis resulting from the spray treatment and there was no reduction in weight of US 1 tubers at harvest. Aphid population trends in treated plots were not affected.     

Row treatment of potatoes with systemics for meadow nematode (Pratylenchus penetrans) control

Granular aldicarb and carbofuran, systemic carbamate insecticides, were applied at 3 lbs active per acre to compare their control of the meadow nematode (Pratylenchus penetrans). These systemic pesticides were applied either in two bands 2–3 inches from both sides of and at the lower plane of the seed-piece or in one band 4–5 inches wide and 1/2 inch above the seed. Two months after planting, nematode populations were greatly reduced in soil and roots from plots treated with either chemical and with both placement methods. Aldicarb provided effective control longer into the growing season than did carbofuran. When compared with carbofuran, aldicarb-treated potao plants lived longer and produced a greater increase in yield over the untreated plots. Yield increases were greater when either systemic was applied in side bands than when placed over the seed.     

Genetic Resistances to Potato Leafroll Virus, Potato Virus Y, and Green Peach Aphid in Progeny ofSolanum etuberosum

Increasing prevalence of potato leafroll virus (PLRV) and potato virus Y (PVY) has been reported in seed and commercial potato production, resulting in the rejection of potatoes for certification and processing. Host plant resistance to PLRV and PVY and their primary vector, green peach aphid,Myzus persicae, could limit the spread of these viruses. Host plant resistance to PLRV, PVY, and green peach aphid has been identified in non-tuber-bearingSolanum etuberosum (PI 245939) and in its backcross 2 (BC₂) progeny. Resistance to green peach aphid involved a reduction in fecundity and adult aphid size. In addition, one BC₂ individual was identified as possessing a genetic factor that was detrimental to nymph survival. PVY resistance was identified in all five BC₂ progenies evaluated in a field screening under intense virus pressure. PLRV resistance was identified in two of the five BC₂ progeny. This resistance was stable in field and cage evaluations with large populations of viruliferous aphids. Based on the segregation of virus resistances in the BC₂ , PVY and PLRV resistances appear to result from the action of independent genetic mechanisms that reduce the levels of primary and secondary virus infection. Two BC₂ individuals, Etb 6-21-3 and Etb 6-21-5 were identified as having multiple resistances to PLRV, PVY, and green peach aphid derived fromS. etuberosum. This germplasm could prove useful to potato breeders in the development of virus-resistant cultivars.     

An index of acceptability to green peach aphids forSolanum germplasm and for a suspected non-host plant

An electronic system that recorded feeding activity was used in replicated trials conducted to evaluate 25Solarium cultivars and 1Pelargonium (geranium) cultivar for acceptability to the green peach aphid,Myzus persicae (Sulzer). The number of probes and the time spent in probing were found to be indicators of relative acceptability; the number of feedings and the time spent in feeding were not. Although tests as brief as 15 min were useful in screeningSolarium germplasm for resistance to the green peach aphid, 30 min tests were deemed more reliable. An index of acceptability was prepared by using the potato variety Katahdin as a standard for comparison.     

Verticillium albo-atrum carried by certified seed potatoes into Washington and control by chemicals

Fifty-one percent of 110 lots of certified seed potatoes from 10 states and Canada sampled in 1968 and 30% of 134 lots from nine states and Canada sampled in 1969 were infected withVerticillium albo-atrum. Fortyone percent of the 1968 lots and 13% of the 1969 lots carried soil infested with the fungus on tuber surfaces. The dark mycelial type ofV. albo-atrum was found infecting tubers more often than the microsclerotial type, however, high propapgule populations of the microsclerotial type were present on tuber surfaces in the soil of infested lots. Over 24% of the isolates ofV. albo-atrum infecting and infesting tubers from lots of seed potatoes were pathogenic to eggplant var. Black Beauty. Captan^®, household bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite), Polyram^®, Orthocide^®, and Semesan Bel^®, were effective in preventing germination of the fungus in small amounts of soil such as might be carried by infested tubers. Liquid treatments were more effective than dusts.     

Glandular trichomes: Enzymic browning assays for improved selection of resistance to the green peach aphid

Polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity in the glandular trichomes of 32Solanum tuberosum ×S. berthaultii F₃ hybrid clones differentially resistant to the green peach aphid,Myzus persicae (Sulzer) was determined. Within this population of segregating clones, aphid infestation levels varied 8-fold, while a 5-fold difference in glandular trichome PPO activity was observed. PPO activity and aphid resistance at three sample dates were correlated as follows: r = 0.38 (P = 0.05), r = 0.31 (P = 0.10), and r = 0.55 (P = 0.01), respectively. The total browning potential test (TBP), a modification of the PPO assay, was developed for use in screening for aphid resistance. The TBP procedure is rapid, inexpensive, and highly effective in identifying aphid resistant clones.