Reduced fertility and transovarial transmission by obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), after exposure to Novaluron

The obliquebanded leafroller (OBLR), Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), is a significant pest of tree fruit production in North America. This moth is a polyphagous insect with generally two generations per year and feeds in excess of 50 different plant species. Control of this pest has generally relied upon broad-spectrum insecticides such as organophosphates (OP). However, with the impending phase-out and evidence of resistances of the OP's, newer chemistries have been developed to combat this pest. Among these newer chemistries, Novaluron has demonstrated strong lethal effects as an ovicide and larvacide for many Lepidotera pests. Along with the lethal effects, sublethal effects of reduced fertility have also been seen in many pests. The reduced fertility caused by novaluron was assessed by residue analysis of egg masses as well as laboratory bioassays.