ALTERNATIVES TO CONVENTIONAL CHEMICAL INSECTICIDES FOR CONTROLOF GLASSY-WINGED SHARPSHOOTER

• Author(s): Puterka, Gary; Ciomperlik, David; Luvisi, Don; Tubajika, Ed;
• Abstract: ARS and industry partners have developed two new insecticidal chemistries that offer significant insect control properties with improved safety to human health and the environment. Particle film technology (Surround WP, Engelhard Corp, Iselin, NJ) is based on the inert mineral, kaolin, that forms a film that protects plants from insects and some diseases. Surround WP is exempt from tolerance, can be applied up to the day of harvest, has a 4 hour re-entry period, has virtually no mammalian toxicity, and is listed as an approved organic production material. Surround WP is unique among insecticides in that it has the ability to repel insects from plants and prevents insect oviposition and feeding which could prevent transmission of Pierces disease. It has proven to be as effective as imidacloprid in controlling GWSS in citrus in recent small block tests in California. Sucrose octanoate received EPA registration in 2002, is made of food grade materials, is exempt from tolerance, and has also shown levels of control of GWSS that is as good as other conventional insecticides. The objectives of this research were to determine how effective these materials were in controlling GWSS in lab and field experiments.
• Publication Date: Dec 2002
• Journal: 2002 Pierce's Disease Research Symposium