Potential for Sulfoxaflor to Improve Conservation Biological Control ofAphis glycines(Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Soybean

Abstract

Soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, is one of the most important insect pests of soybean in the north central United States. Management of A. glycines currently relies on applications of broad-spectrum insecticides. However, broad-spectrum insecticides can negatively impact the natural enemies associated with aphids. Selective insecticides, on the other hand, are promising control tactics for reducing the negative impact of insecticide applications. Here, we compared the effects of sulfoxaflor (a new selective insecticide) and broad-spectrum insecticides on A. glycines and predators in a two-year field experiment. We sampled A. glycines and aphid predator populations using visual whole-plant inspection. In addition, sweep-net sampling was performed to monitor predator populations. To evaluate the toxicity of the insecticides on predator populations, laboratory bioassays were performed on Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, Orius insidiosus (Say), and Chrysoperla rufilabris (Burmeister). Field results showed that sulfoxaflor was as effective as the broad-spectrum insecticide in suppressing soybean aphid populations and was less impactful on predator populations. The laboratory bioassays showed that sulfoxaflor was moderately harmful to O. insidiosus, harmless to slightly harmful to H. convergens, and harmless to C. rufilabris These studies suggest that sulfoxaflor holds promise for improving integration of chemical and biological controls for A. glycines management.

Selectivity of novel and traditional insecticides used for management of whiteflies on the parasitoid Encarsia formosa

“…Other studies have focused on insect predators, for instance sulfoxaflor was slightly toxic to adults of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) and was highly toxic to the fourth instar larvae of Adalia bipunctata (L.) . Moreover, it was shown to be harmful for O. insidiosus (Say) and Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter, but slightly harmful to Hippodamia convergens Guérin‐Méneville and harmless to C. rufilabris (Burmeister) …”

“…58 Moreover, it was shown to be harmful for O. insidiosus (Say) and Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter, but slightly harmful to Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville and harmless to C. rufilabris (Burmeister). 59,60 Cyantraniliprole was shown to be slightly toxic toward adults of E. Formosa and Bracon nigricans Szépligeti, and harmless to Tamarixia triozae (Burks) when exposed to its residues. 33,34 Moreover, it did not influence the reproduction of exposed B. nigricans females.…”

Biology and Economics of Recommendations for Insecticide-Based Management of Soybean Aphid

“…While some newer insecticides target a narrower range of insects (Knodel et al 2016;Tran et al 2016;Varenhorst and O'Neal 2012), most insecticides used for soybean aphid management in the north-central United States are broad-spectrum organophosphates and pyrethroids (Hodgson et al 2012;Olson et al 2008). These non-specific insecticides not only kill aphids, but also kill beneficial insects (e.g., lady beetles, minute pirate bugs, parasitic wasps) that naturally suppress soybean aphid populations.…”

Optimizing band selection for spectral detection of Aphis glycines Matsumura in soybean

“…In soybean, CAD can be used to prompt insecticidal treatments and prevent projected aphid abundance from reaching 5500 CAD, the economic injury level for soybean aphid . Sample estimates of CAD have also been used to quantify season‐long aphid populations in research trials evaluating insecticide efficacy and plant resistance to A. glycines . Accurate estimation of CAD requires that aphids be counted directly on plants at weekly or biweekly intervals .…”

“…26,27 Sample estimates of CAD have also been used to quantify season-long aphid populations in research trials evaluating insecticide efficacy and plant resistance to A. glycines. [28][29][30] Accurate estimation of CAD requires that aphids be counted directly on plants at weekly or biweekly intervals. 31 Such sampling requires more time than some growers are willing to invest, so prophylactic use of seed and foliar insecticide treatments are sometimes used in A. glycines pest management.…”