Additive and synergistic interactions amongst Orius laevigatus (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae), entomopathogens and azadirachtin for controlling western flower thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Abstract

This study evaluated the efficacy of the foliage-dwelling predator Orius laevigatus, soil applied entomopathogens and azadirachtin alone and in combinations for controlling western flower thrips (WFT). Evaluated products were Nemastar® Steinernema carpocapsae (Enema) and Orius laevigatus (Re-natur), Metarhizium anisopliae isolate ICIPE-69 and NeemAzal-T (azadirachtin) (Trifolio). Efficacy against WFT was significantly improved by combined treatments achieving 62-97% reduction in WFT emergence, compared to 45-74% in single treatments, and interactions resulted in two synergistic and eight additive responses. Metharhizium based treatments reduced WFT survival by 93-99.6% when late mortality by mycosis was considered. Halving the number of released predators did not significantly reduce efficacy (86-96% vs 76-88% thrips reduction), and when Orius was introduced to target L1 of WFT, 96-98% reduction was achieved while only 71-89% for L2. Early release of O. laevigatus and combination with soil application of NeemAzal-T and/or entomopathogens can be a successful and reliable biocontrol strategy for WFT.

Additive Effect of Botanical Insecticide and Entomopathogenic Fungi on Pest Mortality and the Behavioral Response of Its Natural Enemy

“…The increase in mortality may be due to the bimodal effects of the combined treatment as the immediate attack on the nervous system provided by the pyrethrum leave individuals more susceptible to infection from the EPF. This concurs with previous studies on pests that have shown additive or synergistic effects when EPF and pesticidal plant products are presented in combination [33][34][35]. In addition to the increased mortality with a combined biopesticide application, it was notable that the time lag before hyphae were observed was shortened in the lower dosage application (226 h to 142 h).…”

Improved control of Frankliniella occidentalis on greenhouse pepper through the integration of Orius sauteri and neonicotinoid insecticides

“…In contrast, for the two NIs tested at their recommended concentrations, the control effect was insufficient. Otieno et al (2017) found that the control effect of O. laevigatus was significantly increased when applied in combinations with other biologicals such as Neem or Metarhizium, further pointing out that early release of the biological control agent improves pest control too. Wu et al (2017) suggested an application of B. bassiana followed by N. barkeri applied two weeks later as a viable approach for controlling F. occidentalis, in order to avoid predators from being affected by entomopathogenic fungus.…”

Local and systemic effect of azadirachtin on host choice and feeding activity of Macrosiphum rosae on rose plants

“…the active ingredient azadirachtin might be present in nectaries of treated plants or in the honeydew of treated aphids and thus in the energy source of many predators and parasitoids as found for other systemic active ingredients (Calvo-Agudo et al 2019;Jones et al 2020). Some studies support the possibility of combining azadirachtin products with beneficial arthropods or other biological control agents in IPM strategies (Medina et al 2001;Otieno et al 2017), also in roses (Put et al 2016). Future research should address such combinations under greenhouse conditions to support growers in implementing smart and sustainable pest control programmes for aphids and other pests.…”