Imidacloprid Applied Through Drip Irrigation as a New Promising Alternative to Control Mealybugs in Tunisian Vineyards

Abstract

Imidacloprid Applied Through Drip Irrigation as a New Promising Alternative to Control Mealybugs in Tunisian VineyardsMealybugs are serious insect pests in Tunisian vineyards where they can cause major production losses. Thus, a management program of these insects is a priority for grape growers. A summer pesticide trial was conducted in a vineyard, located in the Cap-Bon Region of Tunisia. The trial was carried out to assess the use of imidacloprid, a systemic insecticide, against mealybugs on vine. Imidacloprid was applied through the drip irrigation system for each vine and was then compared to methidathion, a contact insecticide. Imidacloprid was found to be more effective than methidathion on all mealybug developmental stages. In addition to its outstanding, up to 100% efficiency, imidacloprid provided an interesting long-term control of mealybugs. No significant difference was found between the two imidacloprid rates (1 and 2 ml/vine). Methidathion generated an overall low to intermediate efficacy on mealybugs and was more effective on both first instar nymphs and adult females than on the other mealybug developmental stages. Thus, imidacloprid applied through a drip irrigation system is a new promising option to control mealybugs in vineyards. For this reason it can be employed in an integrated management program against these pests in the Tunisian grape-growing area.