Winter Control of the European Red Mite, Panonychus ulmi and Certain Fruit Insects by M-2060 (2-fluoroethyl (4-biphenylyl)acetate) in Italy1

Abstract

Field trials carried out in different Italian climatic conditions have shown that M-2060 completely inhibits the hatching of the overwintering eggs of Panonychus ulmi (Koch) when applied in an oil formulation to fruit trees as a single fully dormant or late-dormant spray (i.e. from February to mid-March). As a consequence the density of the mite population remains below the economic threshold until early July and later. This application results in an effective and persistent control of resistant strains of P. ulmi and permits cutting out at least 2 applications of spring-summer miticides which are usually required before July, when dinitrocresol + petroleum or tar oil or parathion-oil are used as late- and delayed dormant sprays, respectively. In addition, M-2060-oil has proved to be effective against the winter eggs of the apple aphid, Aphis pomi De Geer, and the rosy apple aphid, Dysaphis planlaginea (Passerini), the eggs laid by overwintering Psylla piri Först, and to a lesser extent against the hibernating young of the San Jose scale, Aspidiotus perniciosus Comstock.