Effects of spiracle-blocking insecticides and microbial insecticides on the predator mirid bug, Nesidiocoris tenuis (reuter) (heteroptera: miridae)

Spiracle-blocking insecticides and microbial insecticides are widely used for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Japan while Nesidiocoris tenuis is used for the control of thrips and whiteflies in Kochi Prefecture, Japan. However, the effects of the insecticides mentioned above on N. tenuis were unclear. This study investigated the effects of five spiracle-blocking insecticides and two microbial insecticides on the nymphs and adults ofN. tenuis. Propylene glycol fatty acid monoester was slightly harmful to both the nymphs and adults. Hydroxypropyl starch was slightly harmful to the nymphs, while sodium oleate was slightly harmful to the adults. Decanoyloctanoylglycerol and hydrogenated starch hydrolysate were not harmful to either the nymphs or adults. Beauveria bassiana was extremely harmful to the adults and was moderately harmful to the nymphs. Lecanicillium muscarium was slightly harmful to the adults. Therefore, decanoyloctanoylglycerol and hydrogenated starch hydrolysate can be used in combination with N. tenuis to establish an IPM program.