Reducing the Impact of Pesticides on Biological Control in Australian Vineyards: Pesticide Mortality and Fecundity Effects on an Indicator Species, the Predatory Mite Euseius victoriensis (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Abstract

Laboratory bioassays on detached soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., leaves were used to test 23 fungicides, five insecticides, two acaricides, one herbicide, and two adjuvants on a key Australian predatory mite species Euseius victoriensis (Womersley) in "worst-case scenario" direct overspray assays. Zero- to 48-h-old juveniles, their initial food, and water supply were sprayed to runoff with a Potter tower; spinosad and wettable sulfur residues also were tested. Tests were standardized to deliver a pesticide dose comparable with commercial application of highest label rates at 1,000 liter/ha. Cumulative mortality was assessed 48 h, 4 d, and 7 d after spraying. Fecundity was assessed for 7 d from start of oviposition. No significant mortality or fecundity effects were detected for the following compounds at single-use application at 1,000 liter/ha: azoxystrobin, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) subsp. kurstaki, captan, chlorothalonil, copper hydroxide, fenarimol, glyphosate, hexaconazole, indoxacarb, metalaxyl/copper hydroxide, myclobutanil, nonyl phenol ethylene oxide, phosphorous acid, potassium bicarbonate, pyraclostrobin, quinoxyfen, spiroxamine, synthetic latex, tebufenozide, triadimenol, and trifloxystrobin. Iprodione and penconazole had some detrimental effect on fecundity. Canola oil as acaricide (2 liter/100 liter) and wettable sulfur (200 g/100 liter) had some detrimental effect on survival and fecundity and cyprodinil/fludioxonil on survivor. The following compounds were highly toxic (high 48-h mortality): benomyl, carbendazim, emamectin benzoate, mancozeb, spinosad (direct overspray and residue), wettable sulfur (> or = 400 g/100 liter), and pyrimethanil; pyrimethanil had no significant effect on fecundity of surviving females. Indoxacarb safety to E. victoriensis contrasts with its toxicity to key parasitoids and chrysopid predators. Potential impact of findings is discussed.

Compatibility of insecticides and fungicides with the zoophytophagous mirid predator Nesidiocoris tenuis

“…tenuis was similar to other studies where it was reported safe such as to Tamarixia radiata (Waterston) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) the parasitoid of the nymphs of Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) 52], the predatory mite E . victoriensis [ 53 ] and the predatory lacewing C . carnea [ 54 ] which target multiple pests.…”

Not all predators are equal: miticide non‐target effects and differential selectivity

“…Predatory mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) are the most commonly studied natural enemies of spider mites. In perennial systems, such as apple or citrus, conservation biological control of these predators has been successful due to the identification and use of products that are minimally harmful to phytoseiids . In some annual systems (e.g.…”

Suseptibility of the Predatory Mite, Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae), to Seven Insecticides

“…Generally, the survival rates of N. californicus adult females in all treatments decreased over time after exposure. Recently, Bernard et al (2010) observed that emamectin benzoate was also very toxic to Euseius victoriensis (Womersleyi) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) juveniles. Based on the International Organization of Biological Control established categories (Hassan 1994), these four insecticides tested were in category 1 (harmless,〈30% mortality), indicating that these insecticides had little or no significant effect on the survival of N. californicus in these bioassays.…”

“…Spirotetramat was classified as toxic to N. californicus adult females and resulted in 84% mortality after 168 h. Emamectin benzoate and lepimectin were classified as highly toxic with all the adult females dying within 3 days of the test. Recently, Bernard et al (2010) observed that emamectin benzoate was also very toxic to Euseius victoriensis (Womersleyi) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) juveniles. In our test, novaluron was not toxic to N. californicus adult females and larvae, whereas spirotetramat was toxic to both adult females and larvae (Tables 1 and 3).…”