Role of neonicotinyl insecticides in Washington apple integrated pest management. Part I. Control of lepidopteran pests

Abstract

Three neonicotinyl insecticides, acetamiprid, thiacloprid and clothianidin, were evaluated for their impact on four species of lepidopteran pests of apple in Washington, the codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), the Pandemis leafroller, Pandemis pyrusana Kearfott, and the obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), and Lacanobia subjuncta (Grote & Robinson). None of the neonicotinyl insecticides demonstrated sufficient activity against P. pyrusana, C. rosaceana, or L. subjuncta to warrant field trials. Conversely, all had some activity against one or more stages of C. pomonella. Acetamiprid was highly toxic to larvae in laboratory bioassays, and had relatively long activity of field-aged residues (21 days). It also showed some toxicity to C. pomonella eggs (via topical exposure) and adults. Acetamiprid provided the highest level of fruit protection from C. pomonella attack in field trials conducted over five years in experimental orchards with extremely high codling moth pressure. Thiacloprid performed similarly in bioassays, but fruit protection in field trials was slightly lower than acetamiprid. Clothianidin showed moderate to high toxicity in bioassays, depending on the C. pomonella stage tested, but poor fruit protection from attack in field trials. None of the neonicotinyl insecticides were as toxic to larvae or effective in protecting fruit as the current standard organophosphate insecticide used for C. pomonella control, azinphosmethyl. However, both acetamiprid and thiacloprid should provide acceptable levels of C. pomonella control in commercial orchards where densities are much lower than in the experimental orchards used for our trials. The advantages and disadvantages of the neonicotinyl insecticides as replacements for the organophosphate insecticides and their role in a pest management system for Washington apple orchards are discussed.Abbreviation:MFRMaximum field rate

Acute and delayed effects of the neonicotinoid insecticide thiacloprid on seven freshwater arthropods

“…Biological activity of neonicotinoids is based on their interference with the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and, therefore, they exhibit specific activity against the insect nervous system [5]. During the last decade, neonicotinoids progressively have been used against a wide range of pests [6,7]. Among neonicotinoids, thiacloprid is a new and promising insecticide active against various chewing and sucking pests [8].…”

Reduced egg viability in codling moth Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) following adult exposure to novaluron

“…IGRs are generally considered to have reduced toxic effects on arthropod predators and parasitoids when compared with many of their competitors in the marketplace 10–12. IGRs have thus been primarily used as selective insecticides targeting Lepidoptera pests, such as codling moth and leafrollers, based on their direct toxicity to egg and larval stages 13–20. Several IGRs registered for use in US pome fruits, such as diflubenzuron, tebufenozide, methoxyfenozide, pyriproxifen and novaluron, have in some cases shown sublethal effects in Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera pests 21–26…”

“…The more recently registered CSI benzoylurea insecticide novaluron has been reported to have similar sublethal effects for several key pests of US crops 29–31. While novaluron is known to have direct lethal activity on codling moth eggs,20 the extent of its sublethal effects on adult fecundity and egg viability and the effect of different modes of exposure have yet to be described.…”

Acute and Delayed Effects of the Neonicotinoid Insecticide Thiacloprid on Seven Freshwater Arthropods

“…Biological activity of neonicotinoids is based on their interference with the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and, therefore, they exhibit specific activity against the insect nervous system [5]. During the last decade, neonicotinoids progressively have been used against a wide range of pests [6,7]. Among neonicotinoids, thiacloprid is a new and promising insecticide active against various chewing and sucking pests [8].…”