Preparation and indoor virulence determination of a temperature‐sensitive insecticide against Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett)

Abstract

Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) is an important fruit and vegetable pest, especially in high‐temperature seasons. In our previous research, we developed a temperature‐sensitive sustained‐release attractant for Z. cucurbitae, that not only can control the release rate of cuelure according to the temperature change, but also shows an excellent trapping effect on Z. cucurbitae. To further enhance the killing effect of the temperature‐sensitive attractant on Z. cucurbitae, this study proposed using it in combination with an insecticide to prepare a temperature‐sensitive insecticide for Z. cucurbitae. Based on the controlled release technology of pesticides, a temperature‐sensitive Z. cucurbitae insecticide was developed by using PNIPAM gel as a temperature‐sensitive switch to carry both cuelure and insecticide at the same time. In addition, the lethal effect of different pesticides on Z. cucurbitae were tested by indoor toxicity test, and the best pesticide combination was screened out. The temperature‐sensitive insecticide prepared in this study not only had excellent thermal response and controlled release ability, but also enhanced its toxicological effects on Z. cucurbitae because it contained insecticides. Among them, combining thiamethoxam and clothianidin with the temperature‐sensitive attractants was the most effective, and their lethality reached more than 97% against Z. cucurbitae. This study is not only of great practical significance for the monitoring and controlling Z. cucurbitae, but also provides theoretical basis and reference value for the combination of temperature‐sensitive attractant and insecticide.