Predator-Unfriendly Pesticides Harm the Beneficial Mite Neoseiulus idaeus Denmark & Muma (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Abstract

Pesticides are commonly used to control weeds, diseases, and pests in soybean crops, although natural enemies are also key components of integrated pest management programs protecting soybean from pests. The predatory mite Neoseiulus idaeus Denmark & Muma is commonly found in soybeans associated with tetranychid mites. We determined the compatibility of some pesticides used in Brazilian soybean fields with N. idaeus on the basis of their lethal and sub-lethal effects. We assessed the acute toxicity of pesticides that are considered harmless to females of N. idaeus and evaluated the effects on the mite offspring. Acephate as well as imidacloprid and bifenthrin were most toxic to adult females and were classified as harmful. Chlorfenapyr, indoxacarb, and the neonicotinoid and pyrethroid mixtures were classified as slightly to moderately harmful. Immatures of N. idaeus were able to develop and reach the adult stage when treated with chlorantraniliprole, flubendiamide, glyphosate, and teflubenzuron, but immature survival was reduced to 42 and 64% for offspring of females treated with chlorantraniliprole or teflubenzuron, respectively. Reproduction was most affected in females exposed to chlorantraniliprole and teflubenzuron; these females had daily oviposition rates of 0.5 and 0.4 egg/female/day, respectively, and mean fecundities of 2.7 and 5.8 eggs/female, respectively. On the basis of sublethal effects and life table parameters, chlorantraniliprole was classified as moderately harmful, while the other pesticides tested were classified as harmless. In considering the use of pesticides while targeting the conservation of N. idaeus as a predator of important pests in soybean crops, one must prioritize pesticides that will most likely have less harmful effects on this predator in the field.