Biological features of Metcalfa (<i>Metcalfa pruinosa</i> Say, 1830) (Homoptera, Flatidae) and the issues of regulation of its abundance in the central zone of Krasnodar Territory

Abstract

Aim . The study of some biological features of the potentially dangerous for the south of Russia species of Metcalfa or citrus flaccid planthopper ( Metcalfa pruinosa (Say, 1830) (Homoptera, Flatidae) and the possibility of regulating its abundance with low‐hazard pesticides (hazard class 3‐4): actara, phytoverm and the biopreparation, bitoxibacillin. Material and Methods . Metcalfa's monitoring was carried out on trees and shrubs in the city of Krasnodar and its environs in various zones of anthropogenic load in 2018‐2021. Results . An initial assessment of the effectiveness of pesticides was carried out, as well as the identification of possible sites of the presence of Metcalfa and the study of phenology. The hatching of larvae of this species occurs in spring from late April to June, one generation per year. However, in late August – early October, larvae of younger ages were found, which indicates the development of a second incomplete generation and confirms the literature data on a possible increase in the number of planthopper generations in new areas. Joint colonies of Metcalfa with lace beetles were also noted. Monitoring was carried out using light traps based on superbright LEDs. Conclusion . Based on the results of route surveys in our studies, plants from the Rosaceae family turned out to be the most attractive for planthoppers, which accounted for about 25% of the recorded species. At the peak of flight, the catchability of light traps in our experiments was up to 210. As a result of testing preparations on larvae of younger ages, treatment with Aktara (2 l/ha) showed 100% efficiency; 92‐85% – Fitoverm (1 l/ha) and 83‐78% Bitoxibacillin (4 l/ha).