The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys (Stål), is an invasive pest from China that causes economic damage to field crops, vegetables, and tree fruit. Due to its destructive potential, applications of broad-spectrum insecticides have escalated. Researchers are trying to identify options for controlling BMSB that have less of a negative impact on non-target species. Chitin biosynthesis inhibitors are more selective than the commonly used pyrethroids and organophosphates. They are active on the larval stage of the insect and are reported as having sublethal effects such as reducing adult fecundity. In our studies, bioassays were completed with chitin biosynthesis inhibitors novaluron and diflubenzuron to evaluate the effectiveness of these insecticides on adult mortality, nymphal growth, adult fecundity, and egg hatch. Our data indicate that treatments of novaluron at 362.2 g ai/ha or diflubenzuron at 280.2 g ai/ha effectively controlled BMSB nymphs. However, the insecticides were not effective at reducing egg hatch, adult fecundity, or adult life span. If novaluron or diflubenzuron are used in agriculture for BMSB control, then the nymphal stage should be targeted. Accepted for publication 9 November 2012. Published 12 December 2012.

Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is one of the most important insect pests of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Because of the high value of potato crops, most growers approach management in a similar manner. Chemical control of arthropod pests in potato is the standard pest management practice, and will likely continue to be in the foreseeable future. This heavy reliance on chemical control has led to high levels of insecticide resistance. Strategies that rotate chemistries are critical in order to maintain insecticide efficacy, highlighting the immediate need to evaluate novel chemistries to continue to manage this pest successfully. Working with different populations of L. decemlineata, field and lab experiments were conducted to evaluate the baseline toxicity, ovicidal activity, and field efficacy of the novel insecticide tolfenpyrad to L. decemlineata. Lab assays revealed that tolfenpyrad was toxic to both larvae and adults, and that L. decemlineata treated egg masses had a 0% hatch rate. Potato field plots treated with tolfenpyrad had significantly fewer larvae, less defoliation, and higher tuber yields. These data will provide accurate field rates for proper labeling, a baseline reference for tracking changes in L. decemlineata susceptibility, as well as provide a novel chemistry to aid in resistance management programs.

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