Effects of the Insect Growth Regulators Novaluron and Diflubenzuron on the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Abstract

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.

Impairment of Development and Reproductivity of the Egyptian cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis Boisduval (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) by Cycloheximide.

“…In addition, fecundity was dramatically reduced, at the lower two doses. On the contrary, our result disagreed with some reported results of the failure of some IGRs and anti-JH compounds to affect the fecundity in various insects, such as fenoxycarb against the honey bee Apis mellifera (Thompson et al, 2005), methoxyfenozide against S. exigua (Christian-Lius and Pineda, 2010) and novaluron against the brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys (Kamminga et al, 2012). These diverse effects can be attributed to the potency of IGRs and their modes of action, susceptibility of the insect species, time of treatment and other factors.…”

Inhibited reproductive capacity of Egyptian cotton leaf worm Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) by the chitin synthesis inhibitor Novaluron.

“…A similar reducing effect on fecundity was pronouncedly exhibited after treatment of last instar larvae with Novaluron. On the other hand, our results disagree with some results because Fenoxycarb failed to affect fecundity of Apis mellifera (Thompson et al, 2005), methoxyfenozide failed to affect fecundity of Spodopte ra exigua (Christian-Lius et al, 2010) and Novaluron and diflubenzuron failed to affect fecundity of Halyomorpha halys (Kamminga et al, 2012). Moreover, feeding of S. littoralis larvae on leaves treated with a sublethal dose of methoxyfenozide resulted in a significantly increase in fecundity (Ishaaya et al, 1995).…”

The consequences of sublethal exposure to insecticide on the survivorship and mobility ofHalyomorpha halys(Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

“…In part, this has included determining optimal insecticides in both conventional and organic production systems, as well as for homeowners and gardeners . These studies have involved examining the effects of exposure to insecticides labeled for various cropping systems using a variety of laboratory and field‐based methods on the mortality, mobility and behavior of H. halys and efficacy against various life stages (eggs, nymphs, adults).…”