Effect of Insecticide Regimens on Biological Control of the Tarnished Plant Bug,Lygus lineolaris, byPeristenusspp. in New York State Apple Orchards

Abstract

To improve biological control of Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) (Hemiptera: Miridae), the European parasitoid Peristenus digoneutis Loan (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was introduced into the US in the 1980's and has become established in forage alfalfa, strawberries and apples. The objective of this study was to determine how four different insecticide management regimes affected parasitism of L. lineolaris by Peristenus spp. During the summers of 2005 and 2006, L. lineolaris nymphs were collected from New York State apple orchards using industry standard, reduced risk, and organically approved insecticides only. A ‘no insecticide’ (abandoned orchard) treatment was also included in 2006. Rates of parasitism of L. lineolaris nymphs were determined using a DNA-based laboratory technique. Results indicated that insecticide treatment had a significant effect on rates of parasitism of L. lineolaris by Peristenus spp. Compared to the industry standard treatment, rates of parasitism were higher in reduced risk orchards and lower in organic orchards. These results suggest that it is difficult to predict a priori the consequences of insecticide programs and point to the need to take into consideration the specific pests and beneficial organisms involved as well as the crop and the specific insecticides being applied.

Testing the selectivity of pesticide effects on natural enemies in laboratory bioassays

“…Most of these newer reduced risk insecticides are target specific, but there is evidence that some of these insecticides could affect key natural enemies that regulate secondary insect and mite pests (Agnello et al, 2009;Shearer, 2013a, 2013b;Brunner et al, 2001;Crampton et al, 2010;Kim et al, 2006;Myers et al, 2006;Walgenbach, 2005, 2006). In contrast to neurotoxic OP insecticides, some of the newer reduced risk insecticides have been shown to have sublethal rather than lethal effects on natural enemies Shearer, 2013a, 2013b;Beers and Schmidt, 2014;Desneux et al, 2007;Kim et al, 2006).…”

Development of a monoclonal antibody-based ELISA for the detection of the novel insecticide cyantraniliprole

“…8 Even though it is environmentally friendly, some studies reported that it still has some harmful effects, especially in agricultural system. 9,10 Furthermore, possible improper use during a harvest period could result in a level of residues being harmful to humans. Misuses could lead the rapid development of pest resistance.…”