IMPACT OF NEONICOTINOIDS AND AN INSECT GROWTH REGULATOR ON NATURAL ENEMIES OF THE GLASSY-WINGED SHARPSHOOTER AND OTHER CITRUS PESTS

• Author(s): Toscano, Nick; Byrne, Frank; Castle, Steven; Naranjo, Steve; Prabhaker, Nilima;
• Abstract: Relatively few data are available on the direct effects of selective insecticides against natural enemies. The work proposed here will investigate the various toxicological effects against parasitoids and predators of glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) and other citrus pests of three neonicotinoids, imidacloprid (Admire), acetamiprid (Assail) and thiamethoxam (Actara) and one insect growth regulator (IGR), pyriproxyfen, (Esteem). These insecticides were selected because they are currently being used or tested against GWSS immatures and adults and other citrus pests. Direct effects of conventional insecticide applications on parasitoid and predator populations are known, but the effects of systemic neonicotinoid insecticides such as Admire are not documented and evidence needs to be established through laboratory and field testing. These tests will determine the impact of these selected insecticides on the natural enemies of the GWSS and other pest in citrus and grapes. This information will especially useful in GWSS area wide programs or in vineyards where GWSS is present. The main objective of this research is the development and use of reliable and simple test methods for detecting the susceptibility and tolerance of the egg parasitoids of GWSS to Admire, Assail, and Platinum. Bioassay techniques for testing the responses of GWSS to these insecticides have already been established. The development of bioassay techniques (foliar and systemic) for testing the GWSS natural enemies, will be specific for each insecticide chemistry.
• Publication Date: Aug 2003
• Journal: 2003 Pierce's Disease Research Symposium