Systemic Effects of Neem on Western Flower Thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Abstract

The systemic effects of neem on the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), were investigated in laboratory trials using green bean, Phaseolus vulgaris L., in arena and microcosm experiments. In arena experiments, systemic effects of neem against western flower thrips larvae on primary bean leaves were observed with maximum corrected mortality of 50.6%. In microcosm experiments using bean seedlings, higher efficacy in the control of western flower thrips were observed with soil applications of neem on a substrate mixture (i.e., Fruhstorfer Erde, Type P, and sand) in a 1:1 ratio (93% corrected mortality) compared with application on the commercial substrate only (76% corrected mortality). However, longer persistence of neem was observed with soil application on the commercial substrate, which showed effects against thrips for up to 6 d after application. In addition to systemic effects observed on all foliage-feeding stages of western flower thrips, mortality on contact and repellent effects were observed on soil-inhabiting stages after soil applications of neem. Finally, bean seedlings grown from seeds pregerminated for 3 d in neem emulsion were also toxic to western flower thrips.

Persistence of soil and foliar azadirachtin treatments to control sweetpotato whitefly Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) on tomatoes under controlled (laboratory) and field (netted greenhouse) conditions in the humid tropics

“…Also, systemic eVects of neem against larvae of Liriomyza huidobrensis Blanchard (Diptera: Agromyzidae) after inserting bean leaves in a neem based insecticide (Neemix-45, 4.5% azadirachtin; W. R. Grace and Co., Conn., Columbia, MD, USA) were reported by Weintraub and Horowitz (1997). Similar results were obtained against the Western Flower Thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Thoeming et al 2003) as well as aphids (Ossiewatsch 2000;Larew et al 1985).…”

“…Soil treatments making use of the systemic properties of azadirachtin (Thoeming et al 2003;Kumar et al 2005) may lessen instability and prolong persistency of the products. A detailed comparison of persistency under diVerent application methods (systemic and topical) would help in choosing the optimal method and application frequencies to improve the overall neem use eYciency, and enable the growers to achieve a higher level of reliability and sustainability in SPWF management.…”

Field Testing of Efficacy of Three Environmentally Friendly Insecticides Against Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa Decemlineata [Say], Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) on Potato-Evaluation of the Effect on Yield

“…Moreover, it has been addressed in a number of studies that topical applications of azadirachtin solutions with direct contamination of plant dwelling organism can pose a risk to non-taget beneficials such as predators and parasitoids (Krishnaya & Grewal, 2001). Soil applications such as seed dressing or plant substrate treatments could reduce this risk providing that systemic translocation of the active ingredient is possible (Otto, 1996;Thoeming et al, 2003;Kumar et al, 2005). …”

Influences of Botanical Pesticides and Biological Agents on Orius Laevigatus - Frankliniella Occidentalis Dynamics Under Greenhouse Conditions

“…This aspect led to our study of F. occidentalis -O. laevigatus under Mediterranean greenhouse conditions. We assessed the efficacy of nine biopesticides that are currently used, or have potential for use in WFT control in glasshouses (Jackson et al 1997;Copping 2001;Thoeming et al 2003 …”