Effects of Low Rates of Esfenvalerate on Pest and Beneficial Species of Apple in Comparison with a Standard Program

Abstract

Abstract A low rate (11.2 g·ha−1 a.i.) of esfenvalerate was tested as a single application in a seasonal program of pest control in apple orchards in comparison with the current standard program based on azinphosmethyl. The standard program provided good control of codling moth (<0.5% fruit injury) and leafrollers. Integrated control of tetranychid mites was consistent throughout the 3 years of the test. Esfenvalerate at the pink stage of apple bud development was tested to provide a rotational material for chlorpyrifos for control of leafrollers. This treatment provided suppression of leafrollers in the first year of the test and, in combination with the summer codling moth controls, maintained them at very low levels throughout the 3 years of the test. This treatment failed to provide suppression of Campylomma verbasci when substituted for chlorpyrifos in the prebloom period. Some suppression of first generation white apple leafhopper nymphs was achieved, and there was minimal impact on integrated mite ...