Integrated Pest Management Research Articles

Determining selectivity of isocycloseram and afidopyropen and their compatibility with conservation biological control in Arizona cotton.

Selective tools, including selective insecticides and transgenic cotton, have been crucial in reducing insecticide usage within the integrated pest management (IPM) plan for Arizona cotton. To guide growers effectively, cotton field trials evaluated the effects of the novel insecticides, isocycloseram and afidopyropen against our primary pests, Bemisia argentifolii and Lygus hesperus, and their impacts on nontarget arthropods, including key predators: Collops spp., Orius tristicolor, Geocoris spp., Misumenops celer, Drapetis nr. divergens and Chrysoperla carnea s.l. Assessments involved over 27 arthropod taxa through community analyses, individual predator abundance, and biological control function via predator to prey ratios and a sentinel prey method. Comparisons were made with an untreated check, a proven fully selective insecticide (flonicamid) and acephate-treated positive controls. Overall, relative to the untreated check, afidopyropen showed no significant differences, whereas isocycloseram exhibited some negative impacts, primarily reducing M. celer and Geocoris spp. nymphs, yet it was less detrimental compared with the positive control, acephate, and it did not affect four of the six key predators and most nontarget arthropods. Afidopyropen was classified as a fully selective insecticide and isocycloseram as a partially selective insecticide. Their fit for conservation biological control in Arizona cotton IPM and similar systems is discussed. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Enhancing pest management - Utilizing supplementary food spray to harness predatory insects against fall armyworm in maize crop of Vinh Phuc Province, Vietnam

The effect of supplementary food spray on the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and beneficial insects (predominantly predatory insects) was studied in commercial maize field experiments from 2020 to 2022. The food spray formulation was developed from local ingredients in Vietnam, both with and without neem extract. The sugar-based rice dough product attracted and sustained beneficial insects, significantly reducing fall armyworm populations. Compared to conventional insecticide treatments, the net margin achieved in plots treated with food spray was higher ($3,467) to $3,394 in the conventional insecticide-treated plots demonstrating its economic viability (1 AUD=17.28 VND). Our study observed an average predator-to-prey ratio of 9.2:1 per plant in the food-spray-treated plots, and that was effective in managing the fall armyworm throughout the season. We propose that this ratio can serve as a valuable parameter and decisionmaking tool in food spray-based Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs against fall armyworm in maize fields. Therefore, we suggest that food sprays can be incorporated into IPM strategies to successfully manage fall armyworm infestation in maize crop.

First Report of <i>Tetrastichus howardi</i> (Olliff) and <i>Chelonus formosanus</i> Sonan as parasitoids of fall armyworm, <i>Spodoptera frugiperda</i> (J.E. Smith), in Pakistan

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), an invasive agricultural pest, causes substantial economic losses in Pakistan. This study reports the first record of Tetrastichus howardi (Olliff) and Chelonus formosanus Sonan as natural enemies parasitising S. frugiperda within the country. Parasitoids were collected from infested maize fields and identified through morphological analysis. This discovery enhances our understanding of the natural enemy complex associated with S. frugiperda in Pakistan and provides a foundation for investigating their potential as biological control agents. These findings underscore the potential of these parasitoids as components of integrated pest management systems to diminish reliance on chemical insecticides and foster sustainable agricultural practices.

A Review of the Arrival, Effects, and Management of Bagrada hilaris in South America: The Case of Chile

Biological invasions are partly defined by their ability to spread rapidly within invaded regions, posing threats to biodiversity and local species assemblages. The painted bug, Bagrada hilaris (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae) (Burmeister, 1835), originally described as being from India, is an important pest worldwide, mainly due to the serious economic losses incurred and the large number of zones invaded. Since its initial detection in Chile in 2016, the invasive and destructive paint bug has started its invasion to the east and invaded new areas in South America. Without adequate control methods, the insect may threaten brassica crop production, resulting in yield losses greater than 70% in recently infested areas. The extraordinarily wide range of the B. hilaris invasion has necessitated studies describing its biology and ecology, as well as highlighting the urgent need for effective and long-term management techniques. Hence, thoroughly revising the data on this pest in new areas that have been invaded, as well as in the area of origin, is expected to enable the development of management programs. This review incorporates information on B. hilaris in South America, including the invasion, ecology, and potential management approaches, which may allow for efficient integrated pest management, mainly in Chile. Lastly, researchers are expected to break the bottlenecks of some key issues, offering valuable perspectives for identifying strategies that warrant additional research as potential biological control agents for B. hilaris in South America, utilizing either augmentative or conservation biological control approaches, as well as semiochemicals and cultural practices.

Bioassay of Plant-based and Synthetic Insecticides for the Management of Tomato Leaf Miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) in Open-field Conditions in Salyan, Nepal

The tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), has invaded most parts of Nepal and threatens tomato production. Their management primarily relies on insecticides in Nepal. Market-available and locally-madeplant-based pesticides are not equally effective in managingT. absoluta. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of such potential insecticides in managing T. absoluta in open-field conditions. This study was carried out in the Salyan district of Nepal in 2021 and treatments were designed in a randomized complete block design (RCBD)with seven treatments and three replications. All treatments were sprayed at12-dayintervalsfor two times. The treatments used were Emamect in benzoate 5% SC, Imidacloprid 17.8 SL, Jholmol (botanical mixture extract and urine mixture), Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC, Spinosad 45 SC, Azadirachtin 300ppm and Control. The results showed that the lowest percentage of leaves and fruit damage was recorded in Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC and Spinosad 45 SC sprayed plots. Insecticide efficiency was ranked as Chlorantraniliprole > Spinosad>Ema-mectin Benzoate > Azadirachtin >Imidaclroprid>Jholmol>Control. Marketable yield was obtained highest in Chlorantraniliprole (85.26 t/ha) treated plots followed by Spinosad (79.26 t/ha); both were not significantly different. This study provides an opportunity to select the most suitable and effective pesticides for the management of tomato leaf miners and can be used in integrated pest management strategies as a selective insecticides.

Species Diversity of Pectobacterium spp. Causing Potato Aerial Stem Rot in China.

Pectobacterium spp. are the primary causative agents of aerial stem rot in potatoes in China. A nationwide survey revealed the widespread occurrence of aerial stem rot in the northern, southern, and southwestern cultivation regions, with occurrence rates ranging from 1 to 60%. In total, 36 strains were isolated and identified at the species level using multilocus sequence analysis of six housekeeping genes (rpoS, proA, gapA, icdA, gyrA, and mdh). Genome sequencing was conducted on one representative strain for each species, and further confirmation of their identities was achieved through average nucleotide identity and in silico digital DNA-DNA hybridization analysis. Five Pectobacterium species were identified, namely, P. atrosepticum, P. brasiliense, P. carotovorum, P. polaris, and P. punjabense, with P. atrosepticum and P. brasiliense being the most widely distributed. Pathogenicity tests demonstrated that, among the strains isolated in this study and those obtained from other studies, P. atrosepticum and P. brasiliense are also the most virulent species. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first nationwide study describing the diversity and distribution of Pectobacterium spp. affecting potatoes in China. The information gathered will be utilized for disease diagnosis and the development of pathogen-specific integrated pest management strategies to protect potato production.

Exposure to Cyantraniliprole Adversely Impacts Fitness of Harmonia axyridis: Acute Toxicity and Sublethal Effects on Development, Fecundity and Antioxidant Responses.

Extensive utilization of pesticides and their persistent residues inadvertently pose threats to the effectiveness and fitness of biocontrol agents in agroecosystems. However, these ecological consequences are generally disregarded when executing integrated pest management strategies (IPM). Cyantraniliprole (CNAP) serves as a wide-spectrum diamide insecticide and its sublethal effects have been well characterized on multiple insect pests, whereas its impacts on beneficial natural enemies remain unfathomed. Herein we exposed Harmonia axyridis, a predacious generalist, to lethal and sublethal concentrations of CNAP via dipping treatment (egg stage) and topical applications (1st-instar stage + adult stage). The acute toxicity tests revealed that LC50 of CNAP were 90.11, 86.11 and 240.50 mg/L against embryos, 1st instar nymphs and female adults, respectively, with safety factors ranging from 1.14 to 5.34, suggesting its medium toxicity for H. axyridis and larval stage was the most susceptible. The embryonic, larval and pupal durations of coccinellids ecdysed from CNAP-treated eggs and 1st instars were all elongated under sublethal concentrations, of which LC30 triggered more pronounced and significant retardations relative to control. Besides, exposed coccinellids displayed substantially diminished pupal mass and pupation rate, most notably for insects molted from the 1st-instar stage upon CNAP sublethal treatments. With respect to reproductive performance, LC10 and LC30 of CNAP all significantly suppressed female fecundity, as evidenced by reduced vitellin content, a prolonged pre-oviposition period (POP), mitigated laid eggs and the egg hatching rate. Specifically, there existed positive correlations between vitellin level (Vn) and number of eggs deposited by per female, indicative of CNAP affecting fecundity by regulation of Vn. In addition, the antioxidant system was also profoundly disrupted by CNAP, with compromised POD activity at different concentrations over time and induced hormesis of SOD/CAT activities post LC10 exposure. Activities of SOD and TAC were enhanced to exert protective functions during the first 48 h, while defense collapsed at 72 h following LC30 treatments that depleted all enzymatic activities. We speculated that fitness trade-offs may occur between reproductive capacity and antioxidant defenses to sustain physiological homeostasis in response to CNAP stress. Collectively, this study evaluated the ecological risk of CNAP and unmasked its adverse implications for overall fitness of H. axyridis, which highlighted rational application of agrochemicals to conserve biocontrol agents when implementing IPM strategies for sustainable pest control.

Integrated pest management of soybean emerging pests in Brazil and United States: a review

Soybean cultivation is crucial for meeting global demand for vegetable oil and protein, with Brazil being the largest global producer, followed by the United States. However, intensifying soja production has led to the emergence of new pests, such as whitefly, thrips, and leaf miners, which cause damage to plants and reduce crop productivity. The integrated pest management approach is essential for sustainable pest control, minimizing pesticide use, and maintaining ecological balance. However, further research is needed on emerging pests and their management strategies.

Innovative matrices to release pheromones for Integrated Pest Management

Innovative matrices to release pheromones for Integrated Pest Management

In vitro and Silico Exploration of the Insecticidal Properties of Lavandula multifida L. Essential Oil and its Binary Combinations with Cyantraniliprole and Emamectin benzoate on Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Control methods have faced challenges in effectively managing the spread and damage caused by the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, across various crops worldwide, highlighting the need for more sustainable and integrated approaches. This study explored the insecticidal effect of the essential oil (EO) of lavender (LV) (Lavandula multifida L.), cyantraniliprole (CY), and emamectin benzoate (EM) insecticides on FAW larvae. Toxicity, biological, and biochemical assays were employed to elucidate the impact of the two insecticides individually or combined with LV EO. Additionally, in silico molecular docking investigations were performed for eucalyptol (the major component of LV EO) and for CY against the acetylcholine esterase (AChE) enzyme (PDB ID: 6xyu) and cytochrome P450 (PDB ID: 2q6n). EM was the most toxic compound to FAW larvae with an LC50 of 0.0073 mg L−1, followed by CY and LV EO. The chi-square (χ2) test confirmed the synergistic effect of the LV EO/CY combination and the antagonistic effect LV EO/EM combination on FAW larvae. Biological development studies revealed that both LV EO/CY and LV EO/EM combinations impacted the larval and pupal durations. The biochemical assays indicated that the P450-specific activity was activated by LV EO (at LC25), CY (at LC25 & LC50), and their binary combination (at LC25:LC25). In addition, the LV EO/CY combination significantly activated the AChE and GST-specific activity, and the LV EO/CY combination and CY (at LC50) significantly activated α-esterase- specific activity. Molecular docking investigations revealed energy scores (S) of −6.7729 and −7.7644 kcal/mol for eucalyptol and CY, compared to −7.0993 kcal/mol for PDB ID: 6xyu ligand. The current results can serve as baseline data for utilizing the LV EO/CY combination in the integrated pest management (IPM) of FAW.

Sublethal effects of emamectin benzoate on biological characteristics and the expression of vitellogenin (SgVg) and its receptor in Sclerodermusguani

Emamectin benzoate (EMB) is a commonly used insecticide for controlling agricultural and forest pests. To facilitate its rational use in integrated pest management (IPM), the sublethal effects of EMB on the development and reproduction of Scleroderma guani were evaluated. Sublethal doses of EMB (LD10 and LD30) significantly reduced the longevity and fecundity of F0 females. In the F1 generation, sublethal doses significantly reduced larval development duration and male longevity but significantly extended female longevity. Additionally, the LD30 treatment significantly decreased the number of laid eggs in F1 females by 20.72% compared with the control group. The net reproductive rate (R0) was significantly declined by the LD30 treatment compared with the control group (CK). Furthermore, the mean generation time (T) was significantly extended in both LD10 and LD30 treatment groups. Compared to the control group, the expression of SgVg and SgVgR genes in the LD10 and LD30 groups was significantly lower, which may be a crucial factor for the reduced fecundity of the females. These results indicate that sublethal doses of EMB significantly reduced adult longevity and fecundity of S. guani. The findings are practical for developing IPM strategies for forestry pests using S. guani and EMB.

Hyperspectral imaging for pest symptom detection in bell pepper

BackgroundThe automation of pest monitoring is highly important for enhancing integrated pest management in practice. In this context, advanced technologies are becoming increasingly explored. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a technique that has been used frequently in recent years in the context of natural science, and the successful detection of several fungal diseases and some pests has been reported. Various automated measures and image analysis methods offer great potential for enhancing monitoring in practice.ResultsIn this study, the use of hyperspectral imaging over a wide spectrum from 400 to 2500 nm is investigated for noninvasive identification and the distinction of healthy plants and plants infested with Myzus persicae (Sulzer) and Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) on bell peppers. Pest infestations were carried out in netted areas, and images of single plants and dissected leaves were used to train the decision algorithm. Additionally, a specially modified spraying robot was converted into an autonomous platform used to carry the hyperspectral imaging system to take images under greenhouse conditions. The algorithm was developed via the XGBoost framework with gradient-boosted trees. Signals from specific wavelengths were found to be associated with the damage patterns of different insects. Under confined conditions, M. persicae and F. occidentalis infestations were distinguished from each other and from the uninfested control for single leaves. Differentiation was still possible when small whole plants were used. However, application under greenhouse conditions did not result in a good fit compared to the results of manual monitoring.ConclusionHyperspectral images can be used to distinguish sucking pests on bell peppers on the basis of single leaves and intact potted bell pepper plants under controlled conditions. Wavelength reduction methods offer options for multispectral camera usage in high-grown vegetable greenhouses. The application of automated platforms similar to the one tested in this study could be possible, but for successful pest detection under greenhouse conditions, algorithms should be further developed fully considering real-world conditions.

Deconstructing the IOBC tiered method: Are we overestimating the compatibility of pesticides and natural enemies?

Accurately estimating the risk of sensitive populations subjected to toxicant disturbances is central to our ability to protect ecosystem services. While the gold standard for assessing risk historically involves static measures such as the LD50 or LC50, more sophisticated approaches have been developed in an attempt to capture more nuanced outcomes. In the 1980s the International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC) developed a tiered approach to determine the compatibility of pesticides and natural enemies in the context of integrated pest management (IPM). We analyzed the IOBC approach using stage-based matrix models to project population outcomes for four parasitoid species, Diaeretiella rapae, McIntosh, Fopius arisanus, (Sonan), Diachasmimorpha longicaudata Ashmead, Psyttalia fletcheri (Silvestri) and the predator, Coccinella septempunctata L. By imposing mortality levels in matrix models equivalent to those outlined in the IOBC Tier 1 Class 1 (29 %) (harmless) and Class 2 (79 %) (slightly harmful) mortality classes, we explored discrepancies between the IOBC approach and population outcomes generated by these models. Our results highlight that the IOBC Class 1 and 2 levels of mortality are too high to protect many natural enemies from pesticides, setting the stage for unrealistically optimistic views of pesticide compatibility in many cases. Furthermore, a one size fits all approach to protect natural enemies from pesticides does not work because of differences in demographic rates among species which will be less negatively affected by Tier 1 levels of mortality and those that do not reproduce quickly and will thus be more vulnerable to pesticides. Therefore, the IOBC method should be used cautiously if at all, and results should be interpreted with the caveats and pitfalls highlighted here. Results of this study indicate that it is time to reevaluate how we estimate pesticide compatibility with natural enemies and adjust the methods and mortality thresholds based on more realistic measures of toxicity.

Spatial distribution and fixed-precision sequential sampling plans for Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) adults in primocane raspberry: influence of foliar insecticides.

The Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), an invasive species from northern Japan, was first detected in Minnesota in 1968. According to fruit growers and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, population size and feeding damage has been an increasing concern since 2010. Based on trap-catch data, populations have recently exceeded 4,000 beetles/trap/week during July-August near raspberry fields, and can increase by an order of magnitude within 7-10 days. The primary goals of this study were to assess the spatial distribution of P. japonica adults in raspberry, and to develop and validate a practical fixed-precision sequential sampling plan for grower use. Taylor's Power Law (TPL) regression was used to characterize the beetle's spatial pattern in research plots and commercial fields, either with or without insecticide applications. We then used Green's plan to develop an enumerative sequential sampling plan to estimate P. japonica density in primocane raspberry. Beetle population data were collected at two locations in southern Minnesota, including the Rosemount Research and Outreach Center, and a commercial field near Forest Lake. The TPL results, via slope comparisons, indicated no significant differences in P. japonica spatial pattern between insecticide treated plots versus untreated plots, or among 4 different insecticides (P>0.05). Utilizing all spatial pattern data, we characterized the distribution of P. japonica beetles to be highly aggregated in raspberry, with TPL slopes ranging from b = 1.38 to 1.55; all slopes were found to be >1.0. Although the slopes were not significantly different, we accounted for variability in spatial pattern by using 33 independent data sets, and the Resampling for Validation of Sampling Plans (RVSP) model to validate a sampling plan with a final average precision level of 0.25 (SEM/mean), recommended for integrated pest management (IPM) purposes. The final sampling plan required an average sample number of only 15, 1-m-row samples, while providing high relative net precision (RNP), and thus a cost-effective, efficient sample plan for growers.

Influence of Prey Consumption on the Predatory Potential and Biological Parameters of Exochomus nigripennis (Erichson) Against Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley and Icerya seychellarum (Westwood)

Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley and Icerya seychellarum (Westwood) are recent invasive sap-sucking insects in Egypt. Exochomus nigripennis (Erichson) being a viable option for conventional biological control. In the laboratory of the Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Centre, Egypt, the biological parameters and predatory potential of E. nigripennis were assessed using P. solenopsis and I. seychellarum as preys. Fourth instar E. nigripennis larvae was recorded the highest average total consumption of 455 individuals, with a feeding capacity of 43.10 when reared on P. solenopsis. While the third larval instar of E. nigripennis consumed the maximum number of I. Seychellarum 43.11 with a feeding capacity of 45.18 compared to other instars. E. nigripennis females had a lifespan of 30.9 ± 1.21 days, and consuming 3255 preys on P. solenopsis, while males had a feeding capacity of 2198.64. The immature stages of E. nigripennis varied significantly based on the prey species. Larvae developed faster on I. Seychellarum, while pupal periods were shortest on I. Seychellarum and longest on P. solenopsis. The shortest development time was on I. Seychellarum (22.8 days), while the longest was on P. solenopsis (30.37 days). The longevity and reproduction of E. nigripennis were significantly influenced by the preys they were reared on. Males and females fed on P. solenopsis exhibited longer survival and females had an extended oviposition period. The fecundity was highest when females were fed P. solenopsis supplemented with sugar solution. The study suggests that an integrated pest management program can effectively manage P. solenopsis and I. seychellarum, by utilizing E. nigripennis as a biological control agent, making it suitable for mass rearing in agricultural ecosystems.

Resistance Management for Cancer: Lessons from Farmers.

One of the main reasons we have not been able to cure cancers is that treatments select for drug-resistant cells. Pest managers face similar challenges with pesticides selecting for pesticide-resistant insects, resulting in similar mechanisms of resistance. Pest managers have developed ten principles that could be translated to controlling cancers: (1) prevent onset, (2) monitor continuously, (3) identify thresholds below which there will be no intervention, (4) change interventions in response to burden, (5) preferentially select non-chemical control methods, (6) use target-specific drugs, (7) use the lowest effective dose, (8) reduce cross-resistance, (9) evaluate success based on long-term management, and (10) forecast growth and response. These principles are general to all cancers and cancer drugs and so could be employed broadly to improve oncology. Here, we review the parallel difficulties in controlling drug resistance in pests and cancer cells. We show how the principles of resistance management in pests might be applied to cancer. Integrated pest management inspired the development of adaptive therapy in oncology to increase progression-free survival and quality of life in patients with cancers where cures are unlikely. These pest management principles have the potential to inform clinical trial design.

A Current View on Strawberry Production Practices and Trends in the Northeastern United States and Canada

Strawberries (Fragaria ×ananassa) are an important crop for diversified fruit and vegetable farms in the northeastern United States as well as in Ontario and Québec, Canada. The industry in this cold climate region differs greatly from that in the major strawberry-producing states of Florida and California because strawberries typically represent a smaller share of total farm revenue and are sold primarily through retail markets. In recent years, strawberry production and marketing methods in the northeastern United States and Canada have diversified to meet the unique challenges of the region, including regional demand, extended seasons, and management of an increasingly challenging pest and disease complex. In 2020, we distributed an online survey to 163 commercial producers to obtain a snapshot of marketing and production practices used on strawberry-producing farms in this region and to assess research and outreach needs to better serve the industry. We conducted in-depth case study interviews with a small number of producers after the survey. We found that traditional June-bearing strawberry production continues to represent >50% of production, and that most fruit are grown conventionally. Day-neutral strawberry production was reported by an increased number of producers in New York as well as in Canada, and a higher percentage of day-neutral growers, compared to that of June-bearing producers, reported using protected culture. Botrytis (gray mold), weeds, and leaf spots were the top overall pest pressures indicated by growers. Survey respondents preferred written outreach materials and on-farm meetings to obtain information. Integrated pest management, organic production, and cultivar performance were the top priorities for subjects. The survey and interviews also provided information about the most common strategies for winter protection, frequency of pesticide applications, lifespan of plantings, and other current strawberry production practices in the region. Our survey results may be used by researchers and extension professionals to better serve this diversifying industry.

An effective farmer-centred mobile intelligence solution using lightweight deep learning for integrated wheat pest management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques have been widely used in agriculture to manage pest damage in the most economical way and to minimise harm to people, property and the environment. However, current research and products on the market cannot consolidate this process. Most existing solutions either require experts to visually identify pests or cannot automatically assess pest levels and make decisions based on detection results. To make the process from pest identification to pest management decision making more automated and intelligent, we propose an end-to-end integrated pest management solution that uses deep learning for semi-automated pest detection and an expert system for pest management decision making. Specifically, a low computational cost sampling point generation algorithm is proposed to enable mobile devices to generate uniformly distributed sampling points in irregularly shaped fields. We build a pest detection model based on YoloX and use Pytorch Mobile to deploy it on mobile phones, allowing users to detect pests offline. We develop a standardised sampling specification and a mobile application to guide users to take photos that allow pest population density to be calculated. A rule-based expert system is established to derive pest management thresholds from prior agricultural knowledge and make decisions based on pest detection results. We also propose a human-in-the-loop algorithm to continuously track and update the validity of the thresholds in the expert system. The mean average precision of the pest detection model is 58.17% for 97 classes, 75.29% for 2 classes, and 57.33% for 11 classes on three pest datasets, respectively. The usability of the pest management system is assessed by the User Experience Surveys and achieves a System Usability Scale (SUS) score of 76. The usability of the proposed solution is validated by qualitative field experiments.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Floriculture: Strategies for Sustainable pest Control

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Floriculture: Strategies for Sustainable pest Control

Anthranilic diamide compatibility with the parasitoid Trichogramma chilonis Ishii (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae): based on Toxicity, Two-sex life table and ecological parameters

Egg parasitoid wasps of genus Trichogramma Westwood are effective natural enemies of lepidopteran pests in various crops. However, the efficacy of Trichogramma parasitoids is adversely affected by insecticides applied in the field to manage these lepidopteran pests. To overcome this problem efficiently, there is an urgent need to incorporate insecticide-resistant Trichogramma strains into integrated pest management (IPM) programs. This study assessed the potential of Trichogramma chilonis Ishii to develop chlorantraniliprole resistance and characterized resistance associated fitness costs and stability. Toxicity bioassays were performed on T. chilonis using a dry film residue method. After 39 selections, a 573.64-fold level of resistance to chlorantraniliprole was developed in the resistant strain of T. chilonis (Chlr-R) when compared with a chlorantraniliprole susceptible strain (Chlr-S). Chlorantraniliprole resistance in Chlr-R resulted in a female biased sex-ratio and significantly increased the total life span and longevity of the adult female when compared to the Chlr-S strain. Based on age-stage, two-sex life table all the demographic parameters of Chlr-R increased significantly. These results indicate that T. chilonis can be mass reared and selected for chlorantraniliprole resistance under laboratory conditions, is an important step to improve the in field-based effectiveness and integration of these wasps with chemical control.