Monday, December 10, 2007
D0166

Laboratory and field assays to compare efficacy of selected organic insecticides against Acrosternum hilare and Euschistus servus

Katherine Kamminga, kamminga@vt.edu1, Ames Herbert, herbert@vt.edu1, Thomas P. Kuhar, tkuhar@vt.edu2, and Sean Malone, smalone@vt.edu1. (1) Virginia Tech, Entomology, Tidewater AREC, 6321 Holland Rd, Suffolk, VA, (2) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Eastern Shore Agricultural Research & Extension Center, 33446 Research Drive, Painter, VA

There are limited data comparing efficacy of OMRI certified insecticides (spinosad, azadirachtin, and pyrethrum) against Acrosternum hilare and Euschistus servus. Laboratory assays using field-collected insects were conducted to evaluate toxicity, feeding preference and repellency to insecticides. In each of five replicates, five adults or nymphs were placed into a Petri dish containing a section of treated bean and evaluated for mortality after 72 hr. Azadirachtin (0.048 kg ai/ha), spinosad (0.168) and pyrethrum (0.013) resulted in up to 32, 50, and 78% mortality to A. hilare nymphs, 3, 13, and 10% mortality to E. servus nymphs, and 36, 84, and 24% mortality to E. servus adults. Tank mixes increased mortality of nymphs to 56% and adults to 100%. Feeding preference was assessed with green tomatoes. In each of six replicates, three male and female adults were placed into a shoebox-sized container with three treated and untreated tomatoes placed on opposite sides. Feeding preference was determined by counting the number of stylet sheaths after 24 hr. Repellency was assessed by placing single insects into Petri dishes with filter paper, half dipped into insecticide and half into water. Insect location was recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 24 hr. Results of feeding preference and repellency assays will be presented. Replicated field efficacy trials comparing field-use rates were conducted in 2006 in soybean and 2007 in tomato. In soybean, a single application did not reduce numbers of adults or nymphs. Multiple applications in tomato were also ineffective.


Species 1: Hemiptera Pentatomidae Acrosternum hilare
Species 2: Hemiptera Pentatomidae Euschistus servus