Application of novel insecticides to control balsam woolly adelgid, Adelges piceae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), on Fraser fir, Abies fraseri (Pinales: Pinaceae)

The balsam woolly adelgid, Adelges piceae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), is an invasive species in North America native to Europe. It attacks Abies spp., causing high mortality to vulnerable North American species. Balsam woolly adelgid control in fir plantations would be enhanced if insecticides applied did not harm natural enemies that prey on the adelgid. Three novel insecticides that target sucking pests were investigated for their efficacy against balsam woolly adelgid on Fraser fir, Abies fraseri.. The data indicate insecticidal activity from sulfoxaflor and flupyradifurone, as well as the current industry standard imidacloprid. The insecticides, flonicamid and spirotetramat did not appear to impact adelgid densities on fir trees in this study when compared to the untreated control group.