Compatibility of spinosad with predaceous mites (Acari) used to control Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Authors

Touhidur Rahman, Department of Agriculture and Food, WAFollow
Helen Spafford, Department of Agriculture and Food, WAFollow
Sonya Broughton, Department of Agriculture and Food, WAFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-30-2011

Journal Title

Pest Management Science

ISSN

Print: 1526-498X Electronic: 1526-4998

Keywords

spinosad, Frankliniella occidentalis, predatory mites, direct toxicity, residual toxicity, repellency, LT25

Disciplines

Biosecurity | Fruit Science | Horticulture

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Spinosad is a biopesticide widely used for control of Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande). It is reported to be non-toxic to several predatory mite species used for the biological control of thrips. Predatory mites Typhlodromips montdorensis (Schicha), Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) and Hypoaspis miles (Berlese) have been used for control of F. occidentalis. This study investigated the impact of direct and residual toxicity of spinosad on F. occidentalis and predatory mites. The repellency of spinosad residues to these predatory mites was also investigated. RESULTS: Direct contact to spinosad effectively reduced the number of F. occidentalis adults and larvae, causing > 96% mortality. Spinosad residues aged 2–96 h were also toxic to F. occidentalis. Direct exposure to spinosad resulted in > 90% mortality of all three mite species. Thresholds for the residual toxicity (contact) of spinosad (LT25) were estimated as 4.2, 3.2 and 5.8 days for T. montdorensis, N. cucumeris and H. miles respectively. When mites were simultaneously exposed to spinosad residues and fed spinosad-intoxicated thrips larvae, toxicity increased. Residual thresholds were re-estimated as 5.4, 3.9 and 6.1 days for T. montdorensis, N. cucumeris and H. miles respectively. Residues aged 2–48 h repelled T. montdorensis and H. miles, and residues aged 2–24 h repelled N. cucumeris. CONCLUSION: Predatory mites can be safely released 6 days after spinosad is applied for the management of F. occidentalis.

Recommended Citation

Rahman, T, Spafford, H, and Broughton, S. (2011), Compatibility of spinosad with predaceous mites (Acari) used to control Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). Pest Management Science, 67 (8), 993-1003.
https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/bs_research/120