Biology and Control of the Raspberry Crown Borer (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae)

Abstract

This study explored the biology of raspberry crown borer, Pennisetia marginata (Harris) (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae), in Arkansas and the optimum timing for insecticide and nematode applications. The duration of P. marginata's life cycle was observed to be 1 yr in Arkansas. Insecticide trials revealed that bifenthrin, chlorpyrifos, imidacloprid, metaflumizone, and metofluthrin efficacy were comparable with that of azinphosmethyl, the only labeled insecticide for P. marginata in brambles until 2005. Applications on 23 October 2003 for plots treated with bifenthrin, chlorpyrifos, and azinphosmethyl resulted in >88% reduction in larvae per crown. Applications on 3 November 2004 of metaflumizone, metofluthrin, and bifenthrin resulted in >89% reduction in larvae per crown. Applications on 7 April 2005 for metofluthrin, imidacloprid, bifenthrin, metaflumizone, and benzoylphenyl urea resulted in >64% reduction in the number of larvae per crown. Applications on 6 May 2004 did not reduce larval numbers. The optimum timing for treatments was found to be between October and early April, before the larvae tunneled into the crowns of plants. Applying bifenthrin with as little as 468 liters water/ha (50 gal/acre) was found to be as effective against larvae as higher volumes of spray. Nematode applications were less successful than insecticides. Nematode applications of Steinernemafeltiae, Steinernema carpocapsae, and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora reduced larvae counts per plant by 46, 53, and 33%, respectively.

Kinetical Study of the Photoinduced Degradation of Imidacloprid in Aquatic Media

“…The data available in this respect consider only the legally prescribed examinations and have rarely been published. Several working groups published results on its metabolism in plants and animals [6,7], and on final mineralization products upon photochemical degradation, such as carbon dioxide, chlorine, and nitrate [8]. However, less is known about the abiotic degradation of this insecticide, although agrochemical photoreaction, as well as its environmental residence time and eco-toxic relevance, including their degradation products, is well established [9 -13].…”

Identification of a sex pheromone component for Pennisetia marginata (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae)

“…Throughout its range, larvae of this clearwing moth commonly feed within the crowns and stems of cane fruits in the genus Rubus Linnaeus (Rosaceae). Although the incidence of RCB is often sporadic, in some areas and years it can be a highly destructive pest of cultivated raspberry and blackberry (Lovett 1921;Raine 1962;McKern et al 2007). Eggs are laid individually on host-plant leaves from mid-August into October.…”

“…Although the incidence of RCB is often sporadic, in some areas and years it can be a highly destructive pest of cultivated raspberry and blackberry (Lovett 1921; Raine 1962; McKern et al . 2007). Eggs are laid individually on host-plant leaves from mid-August into October.…”