Abamectin to control armoured scales (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) on kiwifruit

Abstract

Abstract Abamectin (avermectin B1a) was applied during the 1989/90 season to previously unsprayed kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) vines in the Waikato, New Zealand as seven regularly scheduled applications at 0.76 g a.i./100 litres, following two dormant applications of chlorpyrifos at 24 g a.i/100 litres. Microscopic assessment of harvested fruit recorded 4 scale/100 fruit for the treated vines, in comparison with 54 scale/100 fruit for untreated vines. In the subsequent season four sprays of abamectin were applied at 0.76 g a.i./100 litres combined with mineral oil (Shell Sunspray) at 0.25%. These applications were timed to coincide with the release of second generation greedy scale crawlers. Assessment of harvested fruit showed 16 scale/100 fruit for treated vines, 102 scale/100 fruit for untreated vines.