The effect of neonicitinoids on the tortoise beetle Gratiana boliviana feeding on tropical soda apple Solanum viarum

Gratiana boliviana is tortoise beetle introduced in the southeastern U.S. for the biological control of the tropical soda apple, Solanum viarum and invasive weed. The systemic effects of 4 neonicotinoid insecticides and foliar effects of 1 pyrethroid were evaluated on G. boliviana a specialist, Manduca sexta and oligophagous herbivore and Spodoptera exigua a polyphagous herbivore. In addition, laboratory assays were used to evaluate contact activity of these materials. Results from these studies will be presented.