Can diflubenzuron be used to control isopods in no-till crop systems?

Isopods are terrestrial crustaceans that typically function as detritivores but can become pests of row crops. In no-till agricultural systems, isopod populations may damage seedlings, resulting in the need to re-plant the crop. Few control options are available for reducing isopod abundance. We conducted a laboratory study to investigate the effect of diflubenzuron (Dimilin) on molting and survival of three size classes of the isopod Armadillidium vulgare. We hypothesized that exposure to diflubenzuron would result in mortality due to inhibition of chitin synthesis during molting, and that mortality rates would be highest in smaller individuals because they molt more frequently. Our results can be used to determine whether this chemical may play a role in the management of isopods in no-till crops.