Sublethal effects of nine insecticides on Drosophila suzukii and its major pupal parasitoid Trichopria drosophilae

Background

Although the pupal parasitoid Trichopria drosophilae is used in conservative and augmentative biocontrol of Drosophila suzukii infestations, current pest management strategies mostly rely on multiple insecticide applications. In this context, the aim of the study was to investigate the baseline toxicity of nine insecticides on D. suzukii larvae and their multiple sublethal effects (LC₁₀) on immature stages of the pest feeding on contaminated diet and T. drosophilae developing within the intoxicated host.

Results

Chlorpyriphos and azadirachtin showed the lowest and the highest LC₁₀, the values of which were 9.78 × 10¹³ and 1.46 × 10³ times lower than their recommended label field rate, respectively. Among tested insecticides, imidacloprid, malathion and dimethoate were the only treatments that did not affect the juvenile development time of D. suzukii, while spinosad and the organophosphates chlorpyriphos and dimethoate did not influence fly pupal size. No sublethal effects were recorded on T. drosophilae degree of infestation (DI) and juvenile development time. On the contrary, cyazypyr and dimethoate negatively affected the success of parasitism (SP) and the number of progeny of the pupal parasitoid, in association with malathion for the first parameter and spinosad for the fertility. Compared to the untreated control, more female progeny emerged following azadirachtin exposure, while dimethoate caused the opposite effect. Imidacloprid, lambda-cyhalothrin and spinetoram decreased hind tibia length of emerged parasitoids.

Conclusion

This study provides new insights on the (eco)toxicological profile of nine insecticides and new information needed to support the deployment of T. drosophilae in the field within the sustainable management techniques against D. suzukii. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

Compatibility of spinosad with predaceous mites (Acari) used to control Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

BACKGROUND: Spinosad is a biopesticide widely used for control of Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande). It is reported to be non‐toxic to several predatory mite species used for the biological control of thrips. Predatory mites Typhlodromips montdorensis (Schicha), Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) and Hypoaspis miles (Berlese) have been used for control of F. occidentalis. This study investigated the impact of direct and residual toxicity of spinosad on F. occidentalis and predatory mites. The repellency of spinosad residues to these predatory mites was also investigated. RESULTS: Direct contact to spinosad effectively reduced the number of F. occidentalis adults and larvae, causing > 96% mortality. Spinosad residues aged 2–96 h were also toxic to F. occidentalis. Direct exposure to spinosad resulted in > 90% mortality of all three mite species. Thresholds for the residual toxicity (contact) of spinosad (LT₂₅) were estimated as 4.2, 3.2 and 5.8 days for T. montdorensis, N. cucumeris and H. miles respectively. When mites were simultaneously exposed to spinosad residues and fed spinosad‐intoxicated thrips larvae, toxicity increased. Residual thresholds were re‐estimated as 5.4, 3.9 and 6.1 days for T. montdorensis, N. cucumeris and H. miles respectively. Residues aged 2–48 h repelled T. montdorensis and H. miles, and residues aged 2–24 h repelled N. cucumeris. CONCLUSION: Predatory mites can be safely released 6 days after spinosad is applied for the management of F. occidentalis. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Residual activity of spinosad applied as a soil drench to tomato seedlings for control of Tuta absoluta

BACKGROUND

Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is difficult to control by means of foliar insecticides, partly because of the endophytic feeding behavior of its larvae. The biopesticide spinosad is applied as a foliar spray for control of T. absoluta and has systemic properties when applied as a soil drench to the growing medium of tomato plants. The aims of this study were to determine the: (i) instar-dependent tolerance of larvae to spinosad; (ii) efficacy of spinosad drench application for the control of larvae; (iii) residual period of systemic activity of spinosad in leaves and fruit after drenching; and (iv) effect of spinosad drenching on tomato plant growth parameters.

RESULTS

The estimated LC₅₀ value (Lethal Concentration at which 50% of the larvae died) differed between instars. The LC₅₀ for second-instar larvae (0.41 ppm) to spinosad was significantly lower than that for third- (0.64 ppm) and fourth-instar (0.63 ppm) larvae. The LC₈₀ value (Concentration at which 80% of the larvae died) for fourth-instar larvae (2.48 ppm) was 2.6- and 1.7-fold higher than that for the second- and third-instar larvae, respectively. The spinosad concentration recorded in leaves at 25 days after treatment (DAT; 0.26 μg g⁻¹) was significantly lower than that in leaves sampled at 3, 10 and 15 DAT. High larval mortalities were, however, recorded for the duration of the experiment, which lasted 25 days (equivalent to one T. absoluta generation).

CONCLUSION

Systemic spinosad effectively controlled T. absoluta larvae over a prolonged period. However, drenching this insecticide violates the recommendation of the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee to avoid treating consecutive insect generations with the same mode of action and can therefore result in the evolution of insecticide resistance. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

Reduced spray programs for Drosophila suzukii management in berry crops

Since the arrival of Drosophila suzukii M. (Diptera: Drosophilidae), field applications of broad-spectrum insecticides have increased in berry crop production to protect susceptible fruits from infestation. Field studies were conducted from 2011 to 2013 to determine whether alternate row middle or border spray programs could manage D. suzukii as well as complete sprays and have less of an impact on non-target arthropods. Four raspberry sites and one blueberry site were alternate row middle and border sprayed, respectively. Adult and larva counts of D. suzukii were compared to conventional complete spray programs. Non-target arthropods were evaluated 7 d post-harvest. In both reduced spray trials, no differences in mean adult numbers and larvae of D. suzukii were detected between treatments. Mean counts immediately after sprays (i.e. 3–12 d after treatment) were also similar in complete and alternate row sprays. Both reduced spray strategies had significantly more Stethorus spp.; additionally, alternate row sprays had significantly more Psyllobora spp. These reduced pesticide strategies are additional tools to consider in D. suzukii IPM programs that can reduce the area sprayed, application time, and input costs while conserving natural enemies.     

Note: Systemic effects of a spinosad insecticide onLiriomyza huidobrensis Larvae

In an effort to expand the spectrum of larvicides effective againstLiriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard), the effect of spinosad was studied on the mortality of the leafminer under laboratory conditions. Bean plants infested with various leafminer stages (egg through third instar) were treated by dipping leaves in a liter of water containing 24, 48 or 96 mg a.i. spinosad or by drenching the soil of plants with 200 ml of water containing 12 mg, 24 mg or 48 mg a.i. spinosad. In general, leaf dipping was more efficacious and adverse effects were observed sooner than with soil drench. All concentrations of spinosad significantly reduced the number of adults that emerged except leaf dip of third instar; only the highest concentration caused significant reduction of pupae and adults. Spinosad would likely be a valuable insecticide for control of the pea leafminer,L. huidobrensis. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Nov. 4, 2005.     

Laboratory Evaluation of the Novel Naturally Derived Compound Spinosad against Ceratitiscapitata

Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the effect of the naturally derived compound spinosad on Ceratitis capitata Wied. (Diptera, Tephritidae). The organophosphate fenthion was used as a standard. Direct dose-dependent mortality and reduced fecundity were observed in oral treatment of adults with spinosad. The LC₉₀ values 14 h and seven days after treatment were 19·50 and 0·49 mg litre⁻¹ respectively. Fenthion was less active (the LC₅₀ eight days after treatment was 1·17 mg litre⁻¹) and did not affect the fecundity of the fly. Adults were also very susceptible to spinosad and fenthion via residual contact. For spinosad, 100% mortality was recorded 48 h after treatment for a dose of 10 mg litre⁻¹. Spinosad was more effective than fenthion in suppressing larval development when neonate larvae were reared on treated diet supplemented with a range of concentrations from 0·02 to 0·83 mg kg⁻¹ diet. Last-instar larvae were much less susceptible to spinosad or fenthion when exposed via dipping or when they pupated in treated medium and both products had similar performance. A lack of ovicidal activity was observed in direct egg-treatments with spinosad but significant reductions from 1 mg litre⁻¹ onwards were recorded for fenthion.     

Systemic toxicity of spinosad to the greenhouse whiteflyTrialeurodes vaporariorum and to the cotton leaf wormSpodoptera littoralis

When spinosad was administered at the stem base of tomato plants grown in rockwool, the main substrate used in greenhouses in northern Europe, it was taken up by the roots and transported to the leaves. Laboratory toxicity experiments showed that systemically applied spinosad, at doses as low as 2 mg active ingredient per plant, gave excellent control of nymphs of the greenhouse whiteflyTrialeurodes vaporariorum, but was less toxic to adults. The toxicity of spinosad on Homoptera has not been documented yet and a dose-response relationship was established. The persistence of toxicity was at least 22 days for whitefly nymphs. A dose-response relationship of systemically applied spinosad was also determined on third-instar larvae of the cotton leaf wormSpodoptera littoralis; a dose of 5 mg per plant consistently killed all larvae. The persistence of systemically applied spinosad reached up to 45 days after treatment. Systemically applied spinosad was harmless to the parasitic waspEncarsia formosa. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Nov. 29, 2005.     

The susceptibility of small fruits and cherries to the spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii

BACKGROUND: The spotted‐wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, is native to Asia and was first detected in the North American mainland and Europe in 2008–2010. Drosophila suzukii is a serious economic pest to stone and small fruits because the female lays eggs within ripening fruit on a plant before harvest, which can lead to crop loss. The aim of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility of blackberries, blueberries, cherries, grapes, raspberries and strawberries to D. suzukii among various ripeness stages and cultivars. RESULTS: In 26 no‐choice and choice replicated laboratory cage tests on ripeness stages, fruits were generally susceptible to D. suzukii once fruits started to color. Few D. suzukii developed on green fruit, wine grapes or overripe blueberries. In seven cultivar tests, D. suzukii preferences ranged from no differences to fourfold differences for specific cultivars of blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and wine grapes. As brix levels increased, more eggs were laid or more D. suzukii developed on blackberries, blueberries, cherries, raspberries and strawberries. In a choice test of various fruit types, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, cherries and blueberries were more susceptible to D. suzukii than green table grapes ('Thompson'). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that fruits may become susceptible to D. suzukii as they start to turn color, and that specific varieties of grapes and overripe blueberries have low susceptibility to D. suzukii. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Side effects of pesticides on the larvae of the hoverfly <Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">Episyrphus balteatus</Emphasis> in the laboratory

The hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus (Degeer) is one of the most abundant predators of the cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae (L.)) in brussels sprouts in Belgium. In the current laboratory study, the toxicity of several insecticides applied at maximum recommended field rates was investigated on the larvae of E. balteatus. Two- to 3-day-old larvae were confined in glass petri dishes with dry residues of freshly applied insecticides. Their mortality was checked daily until adult emergence. Sub-lethal effects were investigated by assessing the reproductive performance of adult hoverflies, originating from the surviving larvae. Of the five compounds tested, only pirimicarb caused 100% larval mortality. The corrected mortality for spinosad was 60% and the adults obtained from the surviving larvae did not succeed in laying eggs. Therefore, pirimicarb and spinosad were rated “harmful” (International Organization for Biological and Integrated Control of Noxious Animals and Plants (IOBC) category 4) for the larvae of E. balteatus. In contrast, flonicamid, thiacloprid and spirotetramat yielded much lower mortality percentages. The hatching rate of hoverfly eggs treated with flonicamid was 25.6% vs 48.7% in the control. Hence, flonicamid was rated “slightly harmful” (IOBC category 2). The fertility of adults treated as larvae with thiacloprid or spirotetramat was not affected (IOBC category 1). These laboratory trials suggest that thiacloprid and spirotetramat can be used safely in integrated pest management programs to control the cabbage aphid. Pirimicarb, spinosad and flonicamid should be tested in semi-field and field situations to assess their toxicity under more realistic conditions.     

Long-term foliar persistence and efficacy of spinosad against beet armyworm under greenhouse conditions

BACKGROUND: The immediate lethality caused by spinosad has been widely studied on Spodoptera exigua (Hübner). However, long‐term effects can also provide valuable information on insecticide toxic action. Here, the persistence of spinosad on Capsicum annuum L. foliage and the lethal and sublethal effects of greenhouse‐aged foliar residues of this insecticide on third instars of S. exigua are reported. RESULTS: Foliage was collected at 0, 3, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 days after application, and spinosad residues were measured. Residues decreased over time according to first‐order kinetics. The average rate constant and half‐life of disappearance were 4.44 × 10^?3 and 156 days and 5.80 × 10^?3 and 120 days for 60 and 120 mg L^?1 respectively. Larval mortality gradually decreased, corresponding to the residues, but was still appreciable (35 and 65% for 60 and 120 mg L^?1 respectively) when the larvae were fed with foliage collected 50 days after treatment. Subsequently, pupal development was reduced and varied between 20 and 60% and between 21 and 41% for 60 and 120 mg L^?1, respectively, in all ages of leaf residues that were bioassayed. At all time points, the consumption rate by the larvae was reduced between 62 and 84% for both concentrations that were bioassayed. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that, under the present greenhouse conditions, the degradation of spinosad was slower than that reported by other authors in the field, and, because of that, its residues could cause lethal and sublethal effects to S. exigua larvae. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Laboratory survival of Drosophila suzukii under simulated winter conditions of the Pacific Northwest and seasonal field trapping in five primary regions of small and stone fruit production in the United States

BACKGROUND: Drosophila suzukii was first found in Oregon in August 2009. The threat of this pest to regional small and stone fruit production industries led to investigations on its overwintering capabilities in fruit‐growing regions in the Pacific Northwest. Knowledge of its cold tolerance will help in the development of computer models to forecast seasonal population growth and decline. RESULTS: Of 1500 adults or pupae, 22 (1.4%) individuals survived the 84 day experimental chilling period. Most (86%) of the survivors were subjected to 10 °C temperature treatments. Survival decreased significantly at lower temperature treatments. Freezing temporarily increased the mortality rate but did not significantly affect overall mortality over the trial period. Flies that emerged from pupae are estimated to survive for up to 103–105 days at 10 °C and for shorter periods at lower temperatures. Field trapping in five fruit production areas has demonstrated overwintering survival in California and Oregon, but lower survival is predicted in Eastern Washington and Michigan. CONCLUSION: The experiments reported here indicate that long‐term survival of D. suzukii is unlikely at temperatures below 10 °C. Field data from five climatic regions indicated extended low initial D. suzukii field presence in 2010 in all regions except California, where field presence was recorded earlier. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

多杀霉素亚致死浓度对棉铃虫幼虫生理及代谢的影响

为明确田间使用多杀霉素亚致死浓度对棉铃虫Helicoverpa armigera幼虫的影响,用含多杀霉素亚致死浓度LC₂₅的人工饲料持续饲喂棉铃虫3龄幼虫,并对饲喂后其体重、取食量、累计蛹化率、蛹发育历期和蛹重等生长发育及脂肪体内甘油三脂（triglyceride,TG）含量和相关基因SREBP、FAS和HSL表达情况进行测定。结果表明,多杀霉素对棉铃虫的亚致死浓度LC₂₅为0.21 mg/kg;多杀霉素亚致死浓度处理4~6 d后,棉铃虫3龄幼虫体重分别为0.065、0.263和0.329 g,较对照显著降低;处理6 d后,其取食量为0.082 g,较对照显著降低;处理4~7 d后,其累计化蛹率分别为60.90%、63.20%、65.50%和65.50%,较对照显著降低。多杀霉素亚致死浓度处理后,棉铃虫蛹发育历期由对照9.89 d显著延长至10.74 d,单头蛹重为0.274 g,显著低于对照的0.324 g;其脂肪体TG含量较对照显著降低。多杀霉素亚致死浓度处理24~72 h后,参与脂肪酸合成信号通路中重要基因SREBP和FAS的相对表达量较对照均显著下调,而参与脂肪代谢的重要基因HSL则较对照显著上调。     

Reduced fitness associated with spinosad resistance in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Helicoverpa armigera</Emphasis>

The fitness cost of spinosad resistance was investigated in the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Laboratory experiments were conducted to compare relative fitness of H. armigera between the spinosad-susceptible and -resistant strains. During the experiments, the average development periods of the resistant strain were lengthened by 4–5 days, reflected in a prolongation of egg, larval and pupal periods. Furthermore, pupal survival, pupal weight, the mean life span of emerged adults, eggs laid and hatched decreased greatly in the resistant strain in comparison with the susceptible strain. Other life-cycle parameters such as larval survival, larval wet weights, prepupal periods, pupation ratio, and sex ratio did not change significantly. As a result, both net replacement rate (R ₀) and intrinsic rate of increase (r _m) were reduced for the resistant strain. Our results clearly indicated that relative fitness of resistant individuals was reduced in the absence of spinosad. Rational measures including pesticide rotations should be expected to delay development of resistance to spinosad in H. armigera field populations from China.     

两种昆虫生长调节剂对黑腹果蝇和斑翅果蝇的生物活性

为探讨昆虫生长调节剂氟铃脲和虱螨脲对黑腹果蝇Drosophila melanogaster和斑翅果蝇D.suzukii的毒性机制,采用室内生测法测定氟铃脲、虱螨脲对2种果蝇2龄幼虫的毒力,以及其在亚致死浓度LC_(10)、LC_(20)下对2种果蝇体内几丁质酶活性的影响。结果显示,经不同浓度的氟铃脲和虱螨脲处理后,随着时间的延长和浓度的增加,2种果蝇的死亡率均明显增加,氟铃脲处理可使2种果蝇的死亡率最高达到83.33%,明显高于虱螨脲处理后黑腹果蝇(65.00%)和斑翅果蝇(66.66%)的死亡率。亚致死浓度LC_(10)和LC_(20)的虱螨脲处理果蝇2龄幼虫24 h后,黑腹果蝇2龄幼虫体内的几丁质酶活性呈下降趋势,而斑翅果蝇2龄幼虫体内的几丁质酶活性则呈上升趋势。另外,亚致死浓度的氟铃脲可明显抑制黑腹果蝇体内几丁质酶的活性。表明昆虫生长调节剂氟铃脲和虱螨脲对果蝇有较强的毒力,氟铃脲的毒力高于虱螨脲,且果蝇体内几丁质酶的活性与氟铃脲和虱螨脲密切相关。     

Factors influencing oviposition behaviour of the invasive pest,Drosophila suzukii,derived from interactions with other Drosophila species: potential applications for control

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) or spotted wing Drosophila is a worldwide invasive pest of soft- and stone-fruit production. Female D. suzukii lay their eggs in ripening fruit and the hatched larvae damage fruit from the inside, rendering it unmarketable and causing significant economic loss. Current methods to reduce D. suzukii population in the field primarily rely on chemical insecticides which are not a sustainable long-term solution and increase the risk of resistance developing. Several studies demonstrate that when D. suzukii encounter or coexist with other Drosophila on a food source, this is usually a disadvantage to D. suzukii, leading to reduced oviposition and increased larval mortality. These effects have potential to be exploited from a pest management perspective. In this review we summarise recent research articles focusing on the interspecific interactions between D. suzukii and other Drosophila species aimed at understanding how this drives D. suzukii behaviour. Potential semiochemical and microbiome impacts are postulated as determinants of D. suzukii behaviour. Development of control practices focusing on reducing D. suzukii populations and deterring them from laying eggs by utilising factors that drive their behaviour are discussed. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

Developing Drosophila suzukii management programs for sweet cherry in the western United States

BACKGROUND: The spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is a newly introduced pest of sweet cherry on the west coast of North America which produces about 97% of the value of the US sweet cherry crop. D. suzukii initially caused considerable economic loss to cherry growers, who were unaware of this new pest. Little control information was available at the time of initial infestation. Pest control studies were initiated to examine the materials, timings and application methods to control D. suzukii in three major cherry‐producing states (California, Oregon and Washington). RESULTS: Three classes of registered insecticides, organophosphates, pyrethroids and spinosyns, have demonstrated good topical or residual activity against D. suzukii. Neonicotinoids and the systemic organophosphate dimethoate appear to be able to kill eggs or larvae in fruit. Preliminary timing studies indicate that at least two preharvest insecticide sprays are required to obtain control of D. suzukii in California cherry orchards. Aerially applied malathion ULV (ultra‐low volume) appears to be a viable control tactic for this pest. CONCLUSION: The results presented here form the basis for developing D. suzukii management programs in the western United States. Additional studies are needed to refine management practices for the different growing regions and conventional versus organic production requirements. Cherry growers will likely need to apply broad‐spectrum insecticides in a prophylactic manner until treatment thresholds and monitoring methods have been developed and validated. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

山东省樱桃主产区果蝇的调查与鉴定

为了解山东省樱桃主产区果蝇的发生情况,本研究选择了山东省主要樱桃产区的7个地点进行调查,并通过形态学特征和分子鉴定法对果蝇的种类进行鉴定。结果发现,山东省樱桃主产区有4种果蝇,通过形态特征与分子鉴定法最终确定4种果蝇,分别为斑翅果蝇Drosophila suzukii、黑腹果蝇D.melanogaster、海德果蝇D.hydei和伊米果蝇D.immigrans。这4种果蝇对樱桃的为害程度与种植地区、果实腐烂程度和樱桃的品种均有关系;莱芜和泰安地区果蝇分别有4种和3种;烟台和威海地区则只有斑翅果蝇和黑腹果蝇2种。烟台地区果蝇为害率最高,且数量最多,其中烟台丁家夼村樱桃为害率高达45.16%,在第2次采集中烟台薛家村每100粒樱桃中斑翅果蝇和黑腹果蝇的数量最多。美早和先锋2个品种樱桃对果蝇的吸引力较强;采摘后期腐烂的果实可吸引大量的果蝇产卵。因此,应对烟台地区进行重点预防、早期防治,并减少美早和先锋品种樱桃在山东省的种植。     

Toxicity,persistence and efficacy of indoxacarb and two other insecticides on Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) immatures in cabbage

Toxicities of indoxacarb on eggs and 5-day-old larvae of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L., on cabbage and those of field-aged leaf residues on 5-day-old larvae were determined in the laboratory. The persistence and efficacies of indoxacarb and two other newer insecticides (spinosad and emamectin benzoate) to P. xylostella were tested under field conditions. Results from laboratory bioassays indicate that indoxacarb was highly toxic to P. xylostella larvae through food ingestion, with LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values of 24.1 and 90.1 mg AI l ^{- 1}, respectively. However, indoxacarb had no significant effects on eggs and larvae through direct contact compared with water control. The toxicity of field-aged leaf residues of indoxacarb (0-, 3-, 5-, 7-, 10-, 14-, 17- and 21-day-old residues) declined slowly and gradually under the field conditions in South Texas. Almost all larvae died on day 5 after feeding on the leaves with 0 - 14-day residue, and the mortalities were as high as 94 and 78% for the 14- and 17-day-old leaf residues. With one application, indoxacarb suppressed P. xylostella larvae below the economic threshold for 14 - 21 days. Two field trials showed that indoxacarb at 0.05 - 0.07 kg AI ha ^{- 1} was effective against P. xylostella, providing marketable cabbage with three applications per season. In addition, indoxacarb was as effective as spinosad, and significantly more effective than emamectin benzoate.     

Toxicity of selected insecticides to the two-spot ladybird <Emphasis Type="Italic">Adalia bipunctata</Emphasis>

The toxicity of pirimicarb, imidacloprid, dimethoate, lambda-cyhalothrin, flonicamid and spinosad to the two-spot ladybird, Adalia bipunctata, was evaluated in a laboratory study. Susceptibility of fourth instars and female adults was assessed by measuring toxicity via residual contact and ingestion through feeding on contaminated green peach aphids (Myzus persicae). Flonicamid and spinosad had no lethal effects on larvae and female adults. Pirimicarb was harmless to the predator by ingestion exposure but showed some residual toxicity at high concentrations to both larval and adult stages. Imidacloprid was highly toxic to the larval stage by residual and ingestion exposure but caused very low adult mortality when ingested through contaminated prey. Dimethoate and lambda-cyhalothrin were highly toxic to both the larval and adult stages of the ladybird. Our findings indicate that pest management programs in agricultural crops using dimethoate, lambda-cyhalothrin and, to a lesser degree, imidacloprid, are detrimental to A. bipunctata, whereas pirimicarb, flonicamid and spinosad are more compatible with the use of this predator.     

Laboratory and field comparisons of insecticides to reduce infestation of Drosophila suzukii in berry crops

BACKGROUND: The spotted wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is an invasive pest of small‐fruit crops. Unlike most other Drosophila, this insect is able to oviposit into and damage ripe and ripening fruit, making it unmarketable. Because this is a new pest in the United States, it is necessary to identify registered insecticides to manage this insect effectively in conventional and organic production systems. RESULTS: The present laboratory bioassays and field trials identified a number of insecticides representing various modes of action that are effective in controlling D. suzukii. Products that performed well in the laboratory bioassay also performed well in the field, indicating that screening of new chemistries in the laboratory is a worthy exercise. Field application of pyrethoids, organophosphates or spinosyns provided 5–14 days of residual control of D. suzukii. The efficacy of the neonicotinoids as adulticides was not satisfactory compared with the other contact‐mode‐of‐action chemistries. Based on the zero tolerance by the small‐fruit industry and the individual effects mentioned above, neonicotinoids are not currently recommended for D. suzukii management. CONCLUSIONS: There are effective insecticides registered for controlling D. suzukii infestations in susceptible small‐fruit crops. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry