Impact of long-lasting insecticide-incorporated screens on Colorado potato beetle and plum curculio

Authors: AYHAN GÖKÇE, GEORGINA V. BINGHAM, MARK E. WHALON

Abstract: The efficacy and behavior effects of long-lasting insecticide-incorporated screens (LLIS; polyolefin containing deltamethrin) were tested under laboratory conditions against two important pests (Leptinotarsa decemlineata and Conotrachelus nenuphar). Four Vestergaard ZeroFly® LLISs of different specifications were evaluated: trial batches JLCB061009, SPSA 6616, ZeroFly Greenhouse (B), and ZeroFly Greenhouse (G). Two control products were also included: ZeroFly Screen Greenhouse White with no insecticide and a standard commercial fiberglass insect screen. Contact bioassays revealed that all treated LLIS products, except JLCB061009, provided >90% mortality within 24 h of exposure for both susceptible (New Jersey, USA) and resistant (Long Island, NY, USA) L. decemlineata colonies. The LT₅₀ values for the LLISs ranged from 30 to 51 min. Behavioral tests revealed that L. decemlineata adults were unable to feed on potato leaflets in all treatments except in the case of JLCB061009. In the contact bioassays conducted on C. nenuphar, the maximum mortality (98%) was observed with ZeroFly Greenhouse (B). There was no feeding scar on any apples in all treatments except JLCB061009. LLISs provided a high level of protection against Colorado potato beetle and plum curculio under laboratory conditions. Further studies with different species and under field conditions are needed to determine the full potential of LLISs for agricultural pest management.

Keywords: Conotrachelus nenuphar, deltamethrin, insect behavior, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, preference

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