Effect of Diflubenzuron on Reproduction and Development of Graphognathus peregrinus and G. leucoloma12

Abstract

Reproductive inhibition by diflubenzuron (Dimilin®) was demonstrated in the whitefringed beetles, Graphognathus peregrinus (Buchanan) and Graphognathus leucoloma (Boheman). Direct application to eggs of G. peregrinus caused substantial reduction in hatchability with young eggs (0–14 days old) slightly more susceptible than older eggs (15–28 days old). Application to prepupal larvae of G. peregrinus significantly reduced adult eclosion. Adult G. peregrinus and G. leucoloma fed diflubenzuron-treated foliage in the laboratory produced eggs with greatly reduced or no hatch. In studies using potted plants in the field, larval populations resulting from adults that fed on diflubenzuron treated soybean plants were much lower than those of the untreated checks.