Impact of some alternative methods to chemical control in controlling aphids (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha) and their side effects on natural enemies on young Moroccan citrus groves

Abstract

Aphid control in Moroccan citrus orchards is based mainly on carbamate and neonicotinoid sprays, especially methomyl and imidacloprid. The extensive use of these insecticides may have side effects on natural enemies and environment quality and raises human health concerns. This research aimed to assess the control of aphids with insecticidal soap, kaolin and augmentative biological control using the indigenous predator Adalia decempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). The insecticides were applied and the predators were released in April 2009 and 2010. Under field experimentation, the methomyl and imidacloprid foliar pulverization were very effective against aphids. In contrast, the insecticidal soap and kaolin application were less efficient while A. decempunctata adults were effective only in the first week after release. The side effects on beneficial insects were also assessed and discussed. The possibility of employing A. decempunctata in an integrated pest management package in citrus groves is discussed in relation to effectiveness and side effects on beneficial arthropods.

Foraging behaviour of Scymnus syriacus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) provided with Aphis spiraecola and Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae) as prey: Functional response and prey preference

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http://www.eje.cz Citrus tristeza closterovirus (Closterovirus: Closteroviridae) (Ayazpour et al, 2013). Chemical control is the main method used to control citrus aphids (Smaili et al, 2014). However, excessive use of insecticides reduces natural enemy populations and leads to resistance of the aphids to many common insecticides.

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Compatibility of organic farming treatments against Monosteira unicostata with non-target arthropod fauna of almond trees canopy

“…Regarding insecticidal soaps, some detrimental effects of different formulations have also been registered both in field and laboratory conditions on beneficial non-target arthropods belonging to Acari (Phytoseiidae), Coleoptera (Coccinellidae), Neuroptera (Chrysopidae) and Hymenoptera (Eulophidae, Braconidae) (Oetting & Latimer, 1995;Smith & Krischik, 2000;Kraiss & Cullen, 2008;Raudonis et al, 2010;Hall & Richardson, 2013;Smaili et al, 2014). In addition, negative effects on predators and parasitoids have been reported for plant essential oils.…”

“…No negative effect of insecticidal soaps on natural enemies have been reported in many studies (Natarajan, 1990;Bigler & Waldburger, 1994;Jacas Miret & García-Marí, 2001; Karagounis et al, 2006;Jansen et al, 2010). However, in others, negative effects of soaps applications were found on some groups of natural enemies (Oetting & Latimer, 1995;Smith & Krischik, 2000;Stansly et al, 2002;Kraiss & Cullen, 2008;Raudonis et al, 2010;Hall & Richardson, 2013;Smaili et al, 2014). In the case of essential oils, again some studies reported no negative effect on natural enemies (Echegaray & Cloyd, 2012;González et al, 2013), but some detrimental effects have been also reported (Momen & Amer, 1999;Amer & Momen, 2002;Choi et al, 2004;Bostanian et al, 2005;Huignard et al, 2008;Cloyd et al, 2009).…”

Evaluation of the Impact of Different Management Methods on Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Their Predators in Citrus Orchards

“…The negative impact caused by pests reduces the quantity and quality of production. Indeed, spider mites, aphids, medflies, and diaspine scales are pests of primary economic importance [ 8 , 9 ]. When conditions are favorable and in the absence of adequate methods of control, significant damage is often observed on the fruits, twigs, leaves, and young shoots of citrus [ 10 ].…”