Application Of Acephate Research Articles

Potential application of spinetoram as an alternative insecticide for controlling oil palm bagworm Mahasena corbetti

Trunk injection of acephate has been a gold standard for controlling the bagworm population in oil palm plantations. Not only poses a detrimental effect on the palm, but the continuous application of acephate also increases the risk of resistance. An efficacy test was conducted to determine the effect of spinetoram as an alternative insecticide against oil palm bagworm Mahasena corbetti. The efficacy test was conducted following a randomized block design using six application concentrations, i.e., 0, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 mg/L (active ingredient [a.i.]) with ten replications. The application used a spraying volume of 400 L per hectare area. Application of acephate at 1.5 g/L (a.i.) was conducted as a comparison. Spinetoram showed a comparable result to acephate in killing M. corbetti. At the lowest concentration, spinetoram caused mortality up to 68.49% three days after application (DAA) which increased to 97.11% at 14 DAA. Overall, spinetoram has great potential to be used as an alternative insecticide to acephate.

Proximity to endocrine-disrupting pesticides and risk of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) among adolescents: A population-based case-control study in California.

The incidence of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) is increasing steadily in the United States, particularly among Latinos. TGCT is thought to be initiated in utero and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, suspected contributors to TGCT pathogenesis, during this critical developmental period may contribute to the rise. To assess the relationship between fetal exposure to agricultural endocrine-disrupting pesticides (EDPs) and TGCT risk among adolescents in a diverse population in California. We conducted a registry-based case-control study of TGCT. Cases, diagnosed between 1997 and 2011, were 15-19 years of age (n=381). Controls were matched on birth year and race/ethnicity (n=762). Quantities (kilograms) of 33 pesticides applied within 3 km and 1 km radii of each individual's address before birth were estimated using the Pesticide Use Reporting database. Odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and population attributable risk (PAR) were calculated for each EDP (using log-2 transformed values). Risk models considered race/ethnicity, birth year, and neighborhood socioeconomic status. A doubling of nearby acephate applications (3km and 1km radii) and malathion applications (1km radius) was associated with increased risks of TGCT among Latinos only (OR=1.09; 95% CI:1.01-1.17; 1.30; 95% CI:1.08-1.57, and 1.19; 95% CI:1.01-1.39, respectively), whereas application of carbaryl within a 3km radius increased TGCT risk in non-Latinos only (OR=1.14, 95% CI:1.01-1.28). We estimate that acephate was associated with approximately 10% of the TGCT PAR, malathion with 3% and carbaryl with 1%. TGCT among adolescents in California was associated with prenatal residential proximity to acephate and malathion among Latinos, and with carbaryl among non-Latinos. These results suggest that the rise in TGCT risk among Latinos may be associated with exposure to these pesticides.

Effect of Imidacloprid and Acephate for Tobacco Thrips (Thysonaptera: Thripidae) Management on Flumioxazin Injured Peanut

ABSTRACT Experiments were conducted in 2016 and 2017 in Stoneville and Starkville Mississippi to determine the impact of different insecticide management options for thrips on herbicide injured peanut. Insecticide treatments included imidacloprid in-furrow at-planting, one or two foliar applications of acephate, and an untreated control with and without an application of flumioxazin. In Stoneville, herbicide applications were made immediately following planting, and in Starkville, applications were made as plants were emerging to maximize herbicide injury. The Stoneville experiment also had an additional factor in which plots were flooded or not flooded to simulate a heavy rainfall in order to maximize herbicide injury and also to give added stress from saturated soils. Thrips counts, thrips injury ratings, plant vigor ratings, plant biomass, width between plant canopies, and yield were recorded. Few interactions were observed, but temporary flooding, herbicide injury, and thrips injury affected peanut growth as measured by biomass and canopy. Imidacloprid was the most consistent insecticide treatment for reducing thrips numbers and injury, but acephate provided some protection. Temporary flooding during the seedling stage, flumioxazin injury, and thrips injury all reduced peanut pod yield. Based on these results, every attempt should be made to minimize early season stress in peanuts including the use of an effective in-furrow insecticide.

Responses of tobacco thrips and peanut to imidacloprid and fluopyram

AbstractTobacco thrips (Frankliniella fusca Hinds) can reduce peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) yield if not controlled in many instances in North Carolina and Virginia. Systemic insecticides are often applied in the seed furrow at planting to suppress tobacco thrips and protect peanut yield. Foliar sprays of acephate [N‐(methoxy[methylsulfanyl]phosphoryl)acetamide] are often made regardless of the insecticide applied at planting. Imidacloprid [(NE)‐N‐[1‐([6‐chloropyridin‐3‐yl]methyl)imidazolidin‐2‐ylidene)nitramide] plus fluopyram [N‐(2‐[3‐chloro‐5‐(trifluoromethyl)pyridin‐2‐yl]ethyl)‐2‐(trifluoromethyl)benzamide])] is registered for use in peanut but information in the peer‐reviewed literature is limited regarding its effectiveness in suppressing tobacco thrips and whether or not a foliar application of acephate is needed when this product is used. Peanut injury caused by tobacco thrips was lower when phorate [diethoxy‐(ethylsulfanylmethylsulfanyl)‐sulfanylidene‐λ5‐phosphane] or imidacloprid were applied alone compared with imidacloprid plus fluopyram in 16 trials conducted in North Carolina and Virginia from 2014 to 2020. However, all insecticides applied at planting protected peanut from injury caused by tobacco thrips well enough to prevent yield loss compared with nontreated peanut. Although acephate decreased visible injury caused by tobacco thrips, yield was not affected by acephate regardless of the systemic insecticide applied at planting. The results from these trials indicate that imidacloprid plus fluopyram offers adequate suppression of tobacco thrips to protect yield. Although acephate suppressed tobacco thrips, yield was not affected by acephate.

Participatory analysis and evaluation of IPM practices against sucking pests of Bt cotton

Farmer’s participatory demonstrations were evaluated during kharif seasons of 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 at four villages of Panchmahal district, Gujarat to introduce IPM practice and to evaluate their effectiveness through demonstrations. Farmers identified several constraints of which, increased infestation of sucking insect pests viz., aphid (Aphis gossypii Glover), leaf hopper (Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida) and whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) were the most important. IPM practice consisting of one spray application of Beauveria bassiana (2 x 108cfu) @ 4 g /l water, two spray applications of thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 0.01 per cent (0.4 g /l water) and one spray application of acephate 75 SP @ 0.075 per cent (1 g /l water) following threshold level (5 sucking pests /leaf) was found effective and economical for the management of sucking insect pests without any adverse effect on the natural enemies in Bt cotton. The application of this practice also resulted higher seed cotton yield as compared to farmers practice.

Protective Effects of Kinetin Against Pesticide Induced Toxicity

India, as a nation, is primarily dependent on agriculture not only as a means to feed its people but also the sector, which contributes almost 80% of the country’s GDP. That being said, pesticides and fertilizers are enormously used to curb the pest attack against crops and to boost plant growth. It can be said that the negligent use of these chemicals may have side effects on the plants. We wanted to check the level of such side effects caused by acephate and also to find out whether such side effects can be neutralized by an organic and plant safe compound such as kinetin. Thus, in our project, we focused on checking the effects caused by the application of acephate, when sprayed (foliar) on to fenugreek plants. We performed three tests to study the oxidative stress, from which we can conclude that acephate by and of itself caused more oxidative stress whereas when applied in combination with Kinetin (lower acephate concentration and a comparatively higher concentration of Kinetin) the oxidative stress was comparatively low. Further studies were made in an animal model and cell lines. In the animal model, there was no significant result as both acephate and kinetin were inhibiting AChE activity. In Blood, the hemolysis percentage was calculated, and from the results, we could conclude that the combination of kinetin and acephate showed reduced hemolysis. When checked in cell lines, in fibroblast cells, the application of acephate increased the percentage of dead cells, whereas in combination with kinetin even-though there were initially some dead cells, the live cells that were remaining proliferated which can be viewed as the effect of kinetin. Whereas the cancerous cells of the sarcoma also had similar results, but the proliferation of the live cancerous sarcoma was more robust compared to the fibroblast cell, which could be inferred as a negative effect as it promotes cancerous growth. Thus, we can conclude that kinetin could be used as an ameliorative compound against pesticides by doing a few more extensive studies on various plant species and against various pesticides.

Response of the macadamia seed weevil Kuschelorhynchus macadamiae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana in laboratory bioassays

Macadamia seed weevil, Kuschelorhynchus macadamiae Jennings and Oberprieler, is a major pest of macadamia in eastern Australia, causing yield losses of up to 15%. Current control methods involve two applications of acephate per season but more recently have moved to a single application of indoxacarb, combined with the collection and destruction of fallen nuts that contain developing larvae. As a first step towards reducing the dependence of the industry on synthetic insecticides, we tested six isolates of M. anisopliae, six isolates of B. bassiana and one commercial B. bassiana product (Velifer® biological insecticide) against adult macadamia seed weevil under laboratory conditions. All isolates were pathogenic against adult weevils with M. anisopliae accession ECS1/BRIP 70272 and B. bassiana accession B27/BRIP 70267 causing 97.5% and 92.5% mortality 12 days after being treated at 1 × 107 conidia/mL. Isolates ECS1/BRIP 70272 and B27/BRIP 70267 had the shortest LT50 values of 5.13 days and 5.37 days respectively. The median lethal concentrations (LC50) for ECS1/BRIP 70272 and B27/BRIP 70267 were 1.48 × 105 and 1.65 × 105 conidia/mL respectively. Results of this study indicate that M. anisopliae accession ECS1/BRIP 70272 and B. bassiana accession B27/BRIP 70267 have considerable potential for K. macadamiae control, and should be developed into biological insecticides for integration into macadamia pest management programs.

Management of banana leaf and fruit scarring beetle Nodostoma viridipennis motsch in Assam

A three years field experiment was conducted at the Assam Agricultural University for evaluating the efficacy of few management strategies against banana leaf and fruit scarring beetle Nodostoma viridipennis on banana cv. Jahaji. Six strategies viz., foliar application of acephate @ 0.1125%, and @ 0.3%, tilling and clean cultivation+ foliar application of quinalphos @ 0.05%, tilling and clean cultivation+ foliar application of acephate @ 0.3%, foliar application of acephate (0.11%) spray+ bunch cover with polypropylene bag, and application of Beauveria bassiana @109 cfu/ml were evaluated along with an untreated control. Results revealed that all these significantly reduced the incidence, number of scars on leaf, fruit injury and increased the yield/yield attributing characters. Foliar application of acephate (0.11%) spray + bunch cover with polypropylene bag was found to be the best in reducing the infestation of N. viridipennis and increasing the yield with the best benefit cost ratio.

Bioefficacy and persistence of acephate in mungbean Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek.

The bioefficacy, persistence and metabolism of foliar application of acephate 75 SP at the respective recommended and double doses of 1500 and 3000ga.i. ha(-1) were studied on kharif mungbean crop. Acephate gave a very effective control of the pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) at the tested doses on mungbean crop throughout the cropping season, besides recording lower percent pod damage and higher grain yield. The recommended dose of acephate also recorded higher net returns and thus indicating its superiority. Persistence of acephate in mungbean leaves and soil was studied following applications of acephate @ 1500 and 3000ga.i. ha(-1) at 30days after sowing. Residues of acephate in mungbean leaves and soil were estimated using gas liquid chromatograph (GLC) and confirmed on gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Half-life periods for acephate in mungbean leaves were observed to be 2.98 and 3.27days at single and double the application rates, respectively. Residues of acephate dissipated below its limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.05mgkg(-1) after 20 and 25days at single and double the application dosage, respectively. Similarly, half-life periods for acephate in mungbean soil were observed to be 1.86 and 1.94days at single and double the application rates, respectively. Residues of acephate dissipated below its LOQ of 0.05mgkg(-1) after 10 and 15days at single and double the application dosage, respectively.

Impact assessment of plant protection technologies validated/ demonstrated by KVK, Angul (Odisha) during 2002-2009

A good number of agro technologies have been assessed and demonstrated in the farmers’ field by KVK, Angul during 2002-2009. Impactassessment of plant protection technologies revealed that the technologies are being adopted by the farmers at variable rate over time. Highest adoption rate (65%) was observed with application of Acephate 75 per cent SC twice @ 0.2 per cent at 15 days interval for management of aphid in mustard with horizontal expansion to 382 ha area. On the other hand lower adoption rate (6%) was observed for the technology of release of bio-agent Chrysoperla cornea for management of this insect pest. The IPM technology consisting of removal of affected fruits and shoots followed by alternate spraying of Triazophos@ 0.2 per cent and neem oil @ 0.5 per cent with teepol at 15 days interval for management of shoot and fruit borer was found to be adopted by 52 per cent participants with horizontal spread to 264 ha of additional area. Non-availability of inputs and seeds of high yielding variety of crops, delay in input availability, non-availability of resistant variety, inadequate supply of inputs and poor quality of inputs, non-availability of skilled labours ,high cost of labour and lack of credit facility are the major constraints for low adoption of these technologies. These constraints need to be addressed systematically to improve the adoption percentage of these technologies. How to view point the article : Das, Niranjan and Mishra, R.P. (2016). Impact assessment of plant protection technologies validated/demonstrated by KVK, Angul (Odisha) during 20022009. Internat. J. Plant Protec., 9(1) : 252-255.

Effect of insecticide and fertilizer combinations on the natural enemies of Bt cotton

Application of acephate 0.15% + triazophos 0.08% + NPK 19:19:19 @ 0.75 kg + 0.4 l.+ 1250 g a.i./ha in combination was found to conserve coccinellids and syrphids predators in Bt cotton. This was followed by acephate 0.15% + difenthiuron 0.04% + NPK 19:19:19 @0.75 kg + 0.2 kg + 1250 g a.i./ha in its effects on these predators.

Degradation and mineralization kinetics of acephate in humid tropic soils of Malaysia

Acephate is poorly sorbed to soil, thus the risk of leaching to the aquatic environment is high if it is not quickly degraded. The effect of soil moisture, temperature, microbial activity and application rate on acephate degradation has been studied in three Malaysian soils to examine and identify critical variables determining its degradation and mineralization kinetics. First-order kinetics could be used to describe degradation in all cases ( r 2 > 0.91). Acephate degraded faster in air-dry ( t ½ 9–11 d) and field capacity ( t ½ 10–16 d) soils than in the wet soils ( t ½ 32–77 d). The activation energy of degradation was in the range 17–28 kJ mol −1 and significantly higher for the soil with higher pH and lower clay and iron oxide contents. Soil sterilization caused a 3- to 10-fold decrease in degradation rates compared to non-sterile soils ( t ½ 53–116 d) demonstrating that acephate degradation is mainly governed by microbial processes. At 5-fold increase in application rates (25 μg g −1), half-life increased slightly ( t ½ 13–19 d) or was unaffected. Half-life from acephate mineralization was similar to those from degradation but much longer at the 5-fold increase in acephate application rates ( t ½ 41–96 d) demonstrating that degradation of metabolites is rate limiting. Thus, application of acephate should be restricted or avoided during wet seasons with heavy rainfall and flooded soil as in paddy cultivation. Sandy soils with low microbial activity are more prone to acephate leaching than clayey soils rich in humic matter.

Control of European Corn Borer in Bell Peppers with Chlorantraniliprole Applied Through a Drip Irrigation System

The European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is the most important pest of bell peppers in New Jersey and weekly applications of insecticide sprays are needed to control this pest. Most pepper production (up to 80%) utilizes black plastic mulch with drip irrigation and high wooden stakes, limiting pesticide application equipment. A new chemistry insecticide, chlorantraniliprole, is highly soil systemic, very soluble, and effective against ECB at very low rates. Because of these properties, a 3-year study was undertaken beginning in 2004 and continuing in 2005 and 2007 applying chlorantraniliprole through a drip irrigation system in bell peppers for control of the ECB. Each year, on every harvest date examined, chlorantraniliprole injected through a drip irrigation system at either 0.05 or 0.07 kg·ha−1 was as effective, or more effective, in reducing percentage of ECB-infested peppers than a standard grower pesticide program of two applications of acephate followed by several applications of indoxycarb. All treatments resulted in significantly fewer ECB-infested peppers at harvest compared with untreated on all dates recorded each year.

Integrating Chemical and Biological Control of European Corn Borer in Bell Pepper

Using multiple locations and a series of field trials over 2 yr, we evaluated an integrated pest management program for Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) management in peppers involving biorational chemistries, inundative releases of Trichogramma ostriniae (Pang & Chen), and conservation of generalist predators. In small plot trials, three biorational insecticides (spinosad, indoxacarb, and methoxyfenozide) provided comparable control of O. nubilalis as two broad-spectrum conventional insecticides (acephate and lambda-cyhalothrin). However, lambdacyhalothrin at most locations, and indoxacarb at one location, resulted in outbreaks of green peach aphids. We also observed significant effects on the generalist predator community: beneficial communities in methoxyfenozide-treated plots were most similar to untreated controls, and acephate-treated plots were the least similar. Management systems comparing untreated controls, inundative release of T. ostriniae with methoxyfenozide applied when lepidopterans exceeded thresholds, or weekly applications of acephate or lambda-cyhalothrin, showed no effects on marketable fruit or percentage of fruit damaged, but the conventional insecticide approach caused aphid flares. Inundative releases of T. ostriniae and biorational chemistries provide a more environmentally sound approach to managing O. nubilalis in peppers, due, in part, to conservation of generalist predators.

Persistence of Acephate and Cypermethrin on Cotton Leaves, Cottonseed, Lint and Soil

Following foliar applications of combination formulation (cypermethrin 5% + acephate 45% DF) at 850 and 1,700 g ha(-1), resulting in active application of acephate at 382.5 and 765 g a.i. ha(-1) whereas active application of cypermethrin at 42.5 and 85 g a.i. ha(-1), the average initial deposits of acephate on cotton leaves were found to be 13.45 and 27.73 mg kg(-1), at single and double the doses of application, respectively. Residues of acephate declined below detectable level of 0.02 mg kg(-1) after 15 days of applications at application rates with t ((1/2)) values of 1.56 and 0.68 days, respectively. Similarly, the average initial deposits of cypermethrin were found to be 22.31 and 32.45 mg kg(-1), respectively. Cypermethrin residues reached below its detectable level of 0.02 mg kg(-1) after 21 days of its application at both the dosages of application. The half-life values for cypermethrin were observed to be 0.71 and 0.69 days, corresponding to single and double the dose of application, respectively. Interestingly, none of the samples of cottonseed, lint and soil showed presence of acephate or cypermethrin at the detection limit of 0.02 mg kg(-1) at first pick of the harvest time of the crop.

Role of Insecticides in Reducing Thrips Injury to Plants and Incidence of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus in Virginia Market-Type Peanut

Tomato spotted wilt virus (family Bunyaviridae, genus Tospovirus, TSWV), transmitted by many thrips species, is a devastating pathogen of peanut, Arachis hypogaea L. TSWV has become a serious problem in the Virginia/Carolina peanut-growing region of the United States. During 2002, TSWV was present in 47% of the North Carolina hectarage and caused a 5% yield reduction in Virginia. Factors influencing levels of TSWV in runner market-type peanut cultivars, which are primarily grown in Alabama, Flordia, Georgia, and Texas, have been integrated into an advisory to help those peanut growers reduce losses. An advisory based on the southeast runner market-type version is currently under development for virginia market-type peanut cultivars that are grown primarily in the Virginia/ Carolina region. A version based on preliminary field experiments was released in 2003. One factor used in both advisories relates to insecticide use to reduce the vector populations and disease incidence. This research elucidated the influence of insecticides on thrips populations, thrips plant injury, incidence of TSWV, and pod yield in virginia market-type peanut. Eight field trials from 2003 to 2005 were conducted at two locations. In-furrow application of aldicarb and phorate resulted in significant levels of thrips control, significant reductions in thrips injury to seedlings, reduced incidence of TSWV, and significant increases in pod yield. Foliar application of acephate after aldicarb or phorate applied in the seed furrow further reduced thrips plant injury and incidence of TSWV and improved yield. These findings will be used to improve the current virginia market-type TSWV advisory.

Compatibility of In-Furrow Application of Acephate, Inoculant, and Tebuconazole in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract Research was conducted in North Carolina to compare tobacco thrips (Frankliniella fusca Hinds) control, early season peanut emergence and growth, and pod yield with combinations of the insecticide acephate, inoculant containing Brady rhizobium, and the fungicide tebuconazole applied in the seed furrow during planting. Although interactions among treatment factors were significant, greater control of tobacco thrips damage was noted when acephate was applied and in some cases when tebucanozole was applied. Tebucanzole-treated peanut emerged more slowly than peanut not receiving tebucanazole. Delayed emergence of tebuconazole-treated peanut most likely resulted in emergence when fewer tobacco thrips were present in fields. Peanut pod yield was affected by acephate, inoculant, and tebuconazole independently. Applying acephate and inoulcant increased pod yield in two and three of five experiments, respectively. Pod yield was lower in one of five experiments when tebuconazole was applied. These data su...

Evaluation of Biological and Biorational Control Tactics for Suppression of Nantucket Pine Tip Moth Damage in Virginia Pine Christmas Trees

A study was performed to evaluate the potential of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma exiguum Pinto and Platner (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), the newly registered insect growth regulator (IGR) tebufenozide (Confirm), and a modified spray technique (top whorl only pesticide application) for suppression of Nantucket pine tip moth, Rhyacionia frustrana (Comstock) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), damage in Virginia pine, Pinus virginiana Mill., Christmas trees. Augmentative releases of T. exiguum failed to increase parasitism levels in release plots compared with controls, and significant reduction in tip moth damage did not occur. High predation levels on released T. exiguum may have contributed to the failure of parasitoid augmentations. Whole-tree and top whorl tebufenozide treatments provided significantly greater damage control than corresponding applications of acephate (Orthene), a commonly used pesticide in Christmas trees. Damage to trees receiving whole-tree chemical applications did not differ significantly from trees receiving top whorl treatments for most measurements of damage. Top whorl chemical treatments resulted in a 67% reduction in time required for application and a 70% reduction in pesticide used.

Evaluation of Biological and Biorational Control Tactics for Suppression of Nantucket Pine Tip Moth Damage in Virginia Pine Christmas Trees

A study was performed to evaluate the potential of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma exiguum Pinto and Platner (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), the newly registered insect growth regulator (IGR) tebufenozide (Confirm), and a modified spray technique (top whorl only pesticide application) for suppression of Nantucket pine tip moth, Rhyacionia frustrana (Comstock) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), damage in Virginia pine, Pinus virginiana Mill., Christmas trees. Augmentative releases of T. exiguum failed to increase parasitism levels in release plots compared with controls, and significant reduction in tip moth damage did not occur. High predation levels on released T. exiguum may have contributed to the failure of parasitoid augmentations. Whole-tree and top whorl tebufenozide treatments provided significantly greater damage control than corresponding applications of acephate (Orthene), a commonly used pesticide in Christmas trees. Damage to trees receiving whole-tree chemical applications did not differ significantly from trees receiving top whorl treatments for most measurements of damage. Top whorl chemical treatments resulted in a 67% reduction in time required for application and a 70% reduction in pesticide used.

Effects of a broad spectrum and biorational insecticides on parasitoids of the Nantucket pine tip moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).

We examined effects of aerial application of acephate (Orthene), Bacillus thuringiensis variety kurstaki Berliner (Foray), and tebufenozide (Mimic) on larval/pupal parasitoids of the Nantucket pine tip moth, Rhyacionia frustrana (Comstock), in the southwestern Georgia coastal plain. Parasitism of tip moths in acephate-treated plots was significantly lower than in untreated plots. Bacillus thuringiensis and tebufenozide showed no significant effects on parasitism. A tachinid, Lixophaga mediocris Aldrich, comprised a significantly greater proportion of emerging parasitoids in acephate-treated than in untreated control plots, whereas a chalcidid, Haltichella rhyacioniae Gahan, was less abundant in the acephate-treated plots. Acephate has a negative, but somewhat species-specific, impact on tip moth parasitism.