Knockdown Mortality, Repellency, and Residual Effects of Insecticides for Control of Adult <I>Bactericera cockerelli</I> (Hemiptera: Psyllidae)

Abstract

The psyllid Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) is the vector of a bacterial pathogen causing zebra chip (ZC) disease in potato, Solanum tuberosum L. (Solanaceae). Recently, ZC has become important to potato growers and the potato chipping industry in the southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, and New Zealand. In the current study, we evaluated the knockdown effect of 12 insecticides against adult B. cockerelli, and we examined the effects of treating potato leaves: top side only, bottom side only, or both sides. Within 48 h of exposure, abamectin showed the highest and most consistent rate of adult B. cockerelli mortality and a dosage response to three dosages within labeled field rates. Choice tests conducted in petri dishes, involving untreated potato leaves and leaves treated with abamectin, revealed that abamectin did not affect host preference of adult B. cockerelli. A residual test under field conditions revealed that, although highly effective immediately after application, abamectin-effect was nonsignificantly different from control treatments 24 and 48 h after field application. Higher adult B. cockerelli mortality was recorded from potato plants treated with ground application compared with aerial 48 h after application. Our results indicated that abamectin has a high knockdown effect on adult B. cockerelli and that it can be used effectively in insecticide rotation programs against adult B. cockerelli and ZC control in potatoes.

Low-input, low-cost IPM program helps manage potato psyllid

“…In potatoes, where zebra chip disease is a particular threat, the set of insecticidal materials commonly used has been extensively tested and a list of recommended materials has been generated that includes systemic materials and those specific to sucking insects (Gharalari et al 2009;Goolsby et al 2007). In potatoes, the use of selective materials is practical, as the materials are effective against many of the common pest insects that threaten potatoes.…”

Vector mediated transmission of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum and epidemiological consequences

“…This should be taken into account in order to establish management practices to control Lso spread. While the most effective way to control Lso spread is by controlling vector populations (Gharalari et al, 2009;Munyaneza, 2012), results from this work suggests that only compounds or methods that avoid psyllid contact with phloem tissues would be effective to control Lso spread. Accordingly, management practices such as the use of resistant varieties to psyllid feeding are highly recommended (Buchman et al, 2011).…”

“…This information is essential to minimize Lso incidence in field, because Lso management is primary based on the control of vector populations (Goolsby et al, 2007;Gharalari et al, 2009;Munyaneza, 2012). Moreover, the timing of insecticide application is determined based on information of psyllid arrival into a crop as well as psyllid population peak density (Tsai et al, 2002;Goolsby et al, 2007;Munyaneza et al, 2009).…”

Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum: detection, characterization, new hosts and epidemiology in Spain

“…L. although the residual effects on adult mortality were relatively short lived (approximately 24h) (Gharalari et al, 2009). Insecticides, such as spiromesifen, were demonstrated as effective against nymphs (Goolsby et al, 2007).…”