The impact of sulfur on the reproductive success of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Anagrus</Emphasis> spp. parasitoids in the field

Pesticides targeted at pest species have often been demonstrated to have strong adverse effects on the survival of biological control agents in short-term laboratory bioassays; however, studies examining the influence of pesticides on the actual reproductive success of biological control agents in the field are rare. Because natural enemy reproduction is often directly tied to biological control success, effects of pesticides on reproduction are of central importance. Here we use a new technique to examine the influence of sulfur, a fungicide widely used in grape production, on the reproductive success of Anagrus erythroneurae (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) and Anagrus daanei (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), egg parasitoids of the grape leafhopper, Erythroneura elegantula (Homoptera: Cicadellidae). Sulfur has previously been shown to be highly toxic to Anagrus spp. in short-term laboratory and field bioassays, creating the expectation that sulfur should also reduce Anagrus reproductive success in the field. Surprisingly, in two studies, the first comparing the oviposition success of Anagrus collected live in paired sulfur-treated versus untreated vineyards and the second comparing the lifetime reproductive success of Anagrus collected at the end of their lives in unpaired sulfur-treated versus untreated vineyards, we found no effect of sulfur on parasitoid reproductive success. In this system, traditional short-term assays of laboratory toxicity do not appear to predict effects on parasitoid reproductive success, suggesting that demographic approaches to assessing the disruptive effects of pesticides may have an important role in designing IPM programs.     

Lethal,sublethal and transgenerational effects of the novel chiral neonicotinoid pesticide cycloxaprid on demographic and behavioral traits of Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a key pest in cotton crops, notably owing to its increasing resistance to commonly used pesticides. Such resistance prompts for the development of integrated pest management (IPM) programs that include novel pesticides being effective against the aphid. In the present study, we assessed lethal and sublethal effects of cycloxaprid, a novel chiral neonicotinoid pesticide developed in China, on A. gossypii. The lethal concentration at 50% (LC₅₀) value of cycloxaprid on A. gossypii was estimated, using the dipping method, at 7.73 mg/L. The impact of a sublethal concentration (LC₁₀) and a lethal concentration (LC₄₀) of cycloxaprid on A. gossypii population growth and feeding behavior (using electrical penetration graph technique [EPG]), and its transgenerational effect were further assessed. Adult longevity and fecundity significantly decreased after exposure to LC₄₀ or LC₁₀ of cycloxaprid. Cycloxaprid with sublethal concentrations (especially LC₄₀) had negative effects on phloem ingestion by A. gossypii. Additionally, the offspring of the adults exposed to LC₄₀ of cycloxaprid had shorter nymphal development duration and adult longevity than the control, and those from LC₁₀ and LC₄₀ treatments had lower adult fecundity and net productive rate. We demonstrated that cycloxaprid is a pesticide showing both lethal and sublethal activities, and transgenerational effects on A. gossypii; it may be useful for implementation in IPM programs against this aphid pest.     

Sequential testing scheme for the assessment of the side-effects of plant protection products on the predatory bug Orius laevigatus

This paper describes a number of test methods, to beused in a sequential scheme, for testing the side-effects ofplant protection products on anthocorid bugs. Orius laevigatuswas used as test species. A `worst case' laboratory method wasdeveloped for evaluating the effect on mortality of the nymphsand the reproduction of the adults. An extended laboratory methodgives information on the effect of pesticides on adults undermore natural conditions. A semi-field test is executed in smallplots under field (glasshouse) conditions. Finally a field testsimulates the conditions in a commercial crop. For harmfulchemicals, both a laboratory and a semi-field persistence testwas developed to determine the safety period after which thepredatory bugs can be re-introduced in the greenhouse withoutbeing adversely affected. The total result of this sequentialscheme should indicate whether, and with what restrictions, aparticular pesticide can be implemented in IPM programs in whichO. laevigatus is used for control of western flower thrips(Frankliniella occidentalis). Twenty-two pesticides were testedincluding five fungicides, twelve insecticides and fiveacaricides. The fungicides captan, carbendazim, sulphur, thiram,tolylfluanid and the insecticides or acaricides pymetrozine,pyriproxyfen, tebufenozide and hexythiazox were harmless in the`worst case' laboratory test and thus did not need furthertesting. Imidacloprid, diafenthiuron, lufenuron, tebufenpyrad,abamectin, pyridaben and bifenthrin were harmful in thesemi-field test and should, in the tested concentrations, betternot be used simultaneously with the predatory bug. Theinsecticide dichlorvos was found harmful but short-lived in thepersistence test; it should be used before the introduction ofthe predatory bug O. laevigatus only when a safety period of 7days is respected. Pirimicarb was slightly toxic in thesemi-field test but short-lived. In IPM programs this aphicideshould be used at a low application frequency.     

Effects of pesticides commonly used in peach orchards in Brazil on predatory lacewing <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chrysoperla carnea</Emphasis> under laboratory conditions

Effects of the maximum field recommended concentration of five pesticides currently used on peaches in Brazil; abamectin, deltamethrin, methoxyfenozide, phosmet and trichlorfon were tested on the predator Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera, Chrysopidae). Dimethoate was used as positive standard. Three analytical laboratory tests, based on IOBC—working group pesticides and beneficial organisms guidelines were used: (1) exposure to fresh pesticide residue on glass plates of (a) larvae (susceptible life stage) and (b) adults (less susceptible life stage); (2) direct spraying of eggs and pupae; (3) exposure of larvae and adults to pesticide residues on plant leaves at different intervals after application (persistence). In tests 1, abamectin was slightly harmful to C. carnea larvae and phosmet and trichlorfon were slightly harmful and moderately harmful to C. carnea adults, respectively. After direct spraying of eggs and pupae, all the pesticides were harmless. In the persistence tests, abamectin and trichlorfon were classified as short lived and therefore they could be considered for use in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs under special conditions (i.e. reduced direct contact). Phosmet, however, caused between 56.3 and 75.0% mortality up to 30 days after treatment and it was rated as persistent. No sublethal effects were detected in the reproductive behaviour of adults (fecundity and fertility) compared with the control in any treatment. In conclusion, the insecticides with little or no toxicity to C. carnea such as abamectin, deltamethrin and methoxyfenozide could be considered as IPM-compatible, subject to further field studies.     

Population statistics and biological traits of Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) affected by LC30 of thiamethoxam and pirimicarb

Although selective pesticides are recommended to use in integrated pest management (IPM) programmes, they could adversely affect biological agents. So, the aim of the current study was to investigate the LC₃₀ of pirimicarb and thiamethoxam on Hippodamia variegata. Two pesticides, pirimicarb and thiamethoxam, when applied at concentrations of 1522.8 and 251.3?mg (ai)/L, respectively, on the third instar larvae of the insect, produced 30% mortality. Also, results showed that neither pirimicarb nor thiamethoxam affect stage age distribution (c_x), fecundity (eggs/female) and adult development time. These two pesticides extended preadult duration significantly (p?<?0.0001, F?=?31.22, df?=?122). Also, survival rate (l_x) and age-specific reproductive value (v_x) decreased and some changes in age-specific life expectancy (e_x) happened. Generally, more adverse effects were found in the population treated by thiamethoxam. The results showed that pirimicarb and thiamethoxam have potential to harm the predatory ladybird in IPM programme, though in sublethal doses.     

Comparative study of the population level effects of carbaryl and abamectin on larval ectoparasitoid <Emphasis Type="Italic">Habrobracon hebetor</Emphasis> Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Habrobracon hebetor Say is one of the most important ectoparasitoids of the larval stage of many invasive agricultural pests such as noctuid and pyralid moths. Lethal and sublethal effects of carbaryl and abamectin were assessed on the ectoparasitoid H. hebetor in laboratory conditions. Dose–response bioassays were carried out on immature and adult stages by using dipping and contact residue methods, respectively. LC₅₀ (lethal concentration for 50%) values of carbaryl and abamectin were 31.19 and 4.16 mg a.i. l⁻¹ on larval stage and 12.6 and 4.42 mg a.i. l⁻¹ on adults, respectively. In order to assess the sublethal effects, adult wasps were exposed to an LC₃₀ of each insecticide and then the demographic parameters of live wasps were studied. The results showed that the intrinsic rate of increase (r _m ), finite rate of increase (λ), net reproductive rate (R₀) and gross reproductive rate (GRR) were significantly affected by the insecticides. The highest and the lowest r _m values were 0.23 and 0.17 in control and carbaryl-treated insects, respectively. The sex ratio of H. hebetor offspring was not significantly affected by either insecticide. The results showed that carbaryl had more adverse effects on population parameters of the parasitoid compared to abamectin. Field studies are needed to determine the total effects of the pesticides on H. hebetor.     

Impacts of 2 species of predatory Reduviidae on bagworms in oil palm plantations

Integrated pest management (IPM) is widely practiced in commercial oil palm agriculture. This management system is intended to minimize the number of attacks by pest insects such as bagworms on crops, as well as curb economic loss with less dependency on chemical pesticides. One practice in IPM is the use of biological control agents such as predatory insects. In this study, we assessed the response of predatory natural enemies to pest outbreak and water stress, and document the habitat associations of potential pest predators. The abundances of 2 predatory insect species, namely Sycanus dichotomus and Cosmolestes picticeps (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), were compared bagworm outbreak sites and nonoutbreak sites within oil palm plantations. We also examined habitat characteristics that influence the abundances of both predatory species. We found that the abundance of C. picticeps was significantly higher in bagworm outbreak sites than in nonoutbreak sites. There were no significant differences in the abundance of S. dichotomus among outbreak and non‐outbreak sites. Both species responded negatively to water stress in oil palm plantations. Concerning the relationship between predatory insect abundance and in situ habitat quality characteristics, our models explained 46.36% of variation for C. picticeps and 23.17% of variation for S. dichotomus. Both species of predatory insects thrived from the planting of multiple beneficial plants in oil palm plantations. The results suggest that C. picticeps can be used as a biological agent to control bagworm populations in oil palm plantations, but S. dichotomus has no or little potential for such ecosystem service.     

Lethal and sublethal effects of imidacloprid on Osmia lignaria and clothianidin on Megachile rotundata (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)

We examined lethal and sublethal effects of imidacloprid on Osmia lignaria (Cresson) and clothianidin on Megachile rotundata (F.) (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae). We also made progress toward developing reliable methodology for testing pesticides on wild bees for use in pesticide registration by using field and laboratory experiments. Bee larvae were exposed to control, low (3 or 6 ppb), intermediate (30 ppb), or high (300 ppb) doses of either imidacloprid or clothianidin in pollen. Field experiments on both bee species involved injecting the pollen provisions with the corresponding pesticide. Only O. lignaria was used for the laboratory experiments, which entailed both injecting the bee's own pollen provisions and replacing the pollen provision with a preblended pollen mixture containing imidacloprid. Larval development, emergence, weight, and mortality were monitored and analyzed. There were no lethal effects found for either imidacloprid or clothianidin on O. lignaria and M. rotundata. Minor sublethal effects were detected on larval development for O. lignaria, with greater developmental time at the intermediate (30 ppb) and high doses (300 ppb) of imidacloprid. No similar sublethal effects were found with clothianidin on M. rotundata. We were successful in creating methodology for pesticide testing on O. lignaria and M. rotundata; however, these methods can be improved upon to create a more robust test. We also identified several parameters and developmental stages for observing sublethal effects. The detection of sublethal effects demonstrates the importance of testing new pesticides on wild pollinators before registration.     

Effect of integrated pest management practices on tomato production and conservation of natural enemies

1 The present study used a crop life table to determine the critical components of production and the key factors of loss in tomato, and three treatments to identify the integrated pest management (IPM) benefits on the reduction of yield losses and the conservation of natural enemies. 2 The relative IPM benefits were compared using calendar‐based pesticide applications, IPM and control (no pesticide). A total of 1248 tomato plants were allotted to treatments with four replicates of 104 plants, each in a random block design. The densities of vectors, leaf miners, fruit borers, predators and parasitoids were compared. 3 Fruit was the critical component of production, experiencing the greatest losses, followed by flower and plant in the vegetative phase. The key causes of loss of production were tospoviruses, Erwinia carotovora, Alternaria solani, Phytophthora infestans, Neoleucinodes elegantalis and blossom‐end rot. 4 No significant differences in yield were detected between the calendar‐based and IPM systems. In the control, the yield was lower than the yield in treatments with pesticides due to losses from fungal diseases and viruses. IPM more efficiently controlled pests than the calendar‐system, reducing the number of parathion‐methyl and abamectin applications by 3.8‐ and 2.9‐fold, respectively. IPM treatment significantly reduced the impact of pesticides on natural enemies. 5 Tomato yield was more affected by biotic and abiotic factors during the reproductive stage. Because fruit was the production component most susceptible to loss, cultivation and IPM programmess should prioritize practices to reduce loss of this component.     

Effects of azadirachtin on the two-spotted spider mite, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tetranychus urticae</Emphasis> (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Effects of sublethal azadirachtin exposure to the biological performance of Tetranychus urticae Koch was studied under laboratory conditions. Bioassay was used to asses the effect of different concentrations of azadirachtin on longevity, fecundity, fertility, and offspring development. Azadirachtin (64 and 128 ppm) affected fecundity and mortality but had no effect on fertility and offspring development. A subsequent life-table study with 80 ppm of azadirachtin found that the compound caused a reduction of 50% in survival to adult stage. The peak of reproduction was reached at 5 days causing a decrease in the mean fecundity to almost eight times than of untreated females. The net reproductive rate (R ₀), the intrinsic rate of increase (r _m), and the finite rate of increase () of treated females were lower. Treatment showed a negative value of r _m, resulting in a declining population. These results suggest that azadirachtin could be incorporated in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes of T. urticae.This revised version was published online in May 2005 with a corrected cover date.     

Sublethal effects of selected insecticides on fecundity and wing dimorphism of green peach aphid (Hom., Aphididae)

Effects of sublethal concentrations (LC₂₅) of six insecticides (imidacloprid, rotenone, fenvalerate, abamectin, pirimicarb and azadirachtin) on fecundity and wing dimorphism of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), were studied both under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. In the laboratory, aphid reproduction reduced by 44.29% and 54.01% when rotenone and abamectin treatments were applied at sublethal dose, respectively, and sublethal fenvalerate application resulted in markedly lower average reproduction per female per day compared with control. Reproductive duration of aphid treated with abamectin significantly decreased by 44.19%. But in the greenhouse, there were no evident differences in the aphid fecundity and reproductive duration between treatments and control. Life‐table parameters also demonstrated that the six insecticides at sublethal doses did not stimulate the aphid reproductive potential. In the laboratory, after being exposed to sublethal doses of imidacloprid and fenvalerate, the proportions of alate progeny in aphid progeny were significantly higher than that of the control. In the greenhouse, percentages of alate offspring from the mother aphids treated with imidacloprid, fenvalerate and abamectin increased pronouncedly compared with control. Mortality rates of offspring in the nymphal stages from adults treated with insecticides revealed no significant changes between laboratory and greenhouse. The developmental time in days of the offspring varied in all treatments. Mechanisms of insecticide‐induced resurgence are discussed.     

Resistance of the codling moth Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lep., Tortricidae) to pesticides in Israel

Abstract:  Resistance of the codling moth Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lep., Tortricidae) to the organophosphorus compound (OP) azinphosmethyl was observed in apple orchards in Israel. The level of resistance varied with the pest control strategy. Compared with a sensitive laboratory population, the resistance level was highest in insects from the preventative pest control strategy, intermediate in integrated pest management (IPM) orchards, and relatively low in the organic orchards. The level of azinphosmethyl resistance in larvae (but not in adults) exposed for 17 generations in the laboratory to a pesticide-free diet was reduced by 50%. Codling moth larvae resistant to azinphosmethyl were also resistant to various insect growth regulators (IGRs). The IGRs include three chitin synthesis inhibitors (diflubenzuron, novaluron and teflubenzuron), two juvenile hormone mimics (pyriproxyfen and fenoxycarb) and one ecdysone agonist (methoxyfenozide). Codling moth resistant to azinphosmethyl was tolerant to methoxyfenozide and novaluron without previous history of application in apple orchards, indicating the possibility of cross-resistance. According to this study, managing resistance programs in apple orchards should be based on IPM principles with minimum use of conventional neuroactive pesticides.     

The α-amylase inhibitor acarbose does not affect the parasitoid Venturia canescens when incorporated into the diet of its host Ephestia kuehniella

Amylase inhibitors (AIs) are suitable candidates for protecting plants and their products from attacks by herbivorous and granivorous insects. However, detailed studies of the suppressive effects of AIs on target and non‐target insects are necessary before their application in post‐harvest protection. To address this issue, laboratory bioassays were used to test the effect of the non‐proteinaceous inhibitor acarbose on a stored product pest, the flour moth Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), and its parasitoid Venturia canescens (Gravenhorst) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). Two sublethal concentrations (0.001 and 0.0001%, wt/wt) of acarbose were incorporated into the diet of parasitized and unparasitized larvae of E. kuehniella. Development time and fresh body weight of the larvae, together with the size of the wasps, were compared for insects reared on acarbose‐treated and control diets. On the diet containing 0.001% acarbose, the developmental time was longer and relative weight gains of the E. kuehniella larvae were lower, but the weight of the larvae prior to pupation was similar to that of the control. The acarbose did not have a suppressive effect on the parasitoid V. canescens; in fact the wasps that emerged from the hosts reared on a diet containing 0.0001% acarbose were on average larger and heavier than the controls. These results demonstrate that it might be possible to enhance the control of stored product pests by using both biological control and AIs.     

Fitness costs of sublethal exposure to Bacillus thuringiensis in Helicoverpa armigera: a carryover study on offspring

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is an efficient entomopathogen used for pest control. While Bt pathogenesis has been thoroughly studied, less is known about the biological effects of sublethal Bt exposure. To address this knowledge gap, we document sublethal effects of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) on the biology and development of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) under laboratory conditions. The results obtained revealed that duration of the different life stages in treated neonates of H. armigera was significantly affected by sublethal treatments. Furthermore, fecundity was also negatively affected in female moths developed from Btk‐treated neonates, with the rate of egg hatchability reaching zero in the LC₂₅. We also present data supporting that the effect of sublethal Btk concentrations could carry over to the next generation. Sublethal Btk concentrations reduced the net reproduction rate (R₀), and there were also significant differences among the values of this parameter at all treatments tested when compared with controls. The intrinsic and finite rates of increase (r_m and λ, respectively) were significantly lower in insects treated with sublethal Btk concentrations compared with control insects. Consequent with the reduce rate of development observed for H. armigera treated with Btk, the mean generation time (T) and doubling time (DT) were significantly higher in insects exposed to any Btk concentration tested compared with control. Our data demonstrate significant fitness costs resulting from sublethal Btk exposure in H. armigera. These observations underline the importance of considering the role of sublethal effects when attempting to evaluate the impact of Bt treatment on an insect pest population and its progeny.     

Pesticide‐mediated disruption of spotted wing Drosophila flight response to raspberries

The disruption of chemical communication between insects and host plants may take place due to an interference with the signal‐emitting host plant, or the signal‐receiving insect, compromising the signal production and emission, or its reception and processing. Anthropogenic compounds, in general, and pesticides, in particular, may impair the chemical communication that mediates host location by insects. Five different pesticides (the insecticides malathion, pyrethrins and spinetoram, and the fungicides fenhexamid and pyrimethanil) were applied at their field rates to raspberry fruits, or Petri dishes enclosing adult spotted wing Drosophila (SWD; Drosophila suzukii), and the attraction to fruit volatiles was evaluated in a series of two‐choice flight bioassays. The application of raspberry fruit with pesticides did not statistically affect attraction of unexposed adults, with exceptions being the spinetoram treatment, which led to mild insect avoidance, and the pyrethrin treatment, which resulted in slightly preferential attraction. In contrast, adults sublethally exposed to the pesticides had their flight take‐off impaired by the insecticides, but not by the fungicides. Furthermore, all pesticides, and particularly the insecticides, compromised the upwind capture of adults. Thus, the treatment with pesticides may indeed interfere with the flight response of SWD to host volatiles, particularly when the insects were previously exposed to pesticides. These findings are suggestive of the potential for sublethal insecticidal exposures to aid pest control and also provide evidence that pesticide use may compromise sampling/trapping strategies for this pest species that are based on attraction to host volatiles.     

Intergrated pest management in Swiss apple orchards: Stability and risks

In recent years, a system of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has been introduced in many Swiss apple orchards. It is based on monitoring pests and natural enemies, on a package of selective pesticides and on biological control of phytophagous mites by typhlodromids. Some natural control has also been introduced for aphids and leafrollers. Stability of this approach is offered by natural control and by monitoring. Risks exist in two fields: Selective pesticides may disappear due to resistance and to other undesirable side effects. Outbreaks of secondary pests occur and will continue to do so in the future. In the past few years populations of scale insects and of Grapholita prunivorana (Rag.) have built up to damaging levels in some regions.     

中国棉花害虫综合防治的新进展

<正> 一、历史回顾 建国以来防治棉花害虫早已采用多种手段互为补充的综合防治。随着防治技术的发展,防治手段的重点亦随之而异。50年代后期到60年代农药的迅速发展,高效广谱农药相继出现,几乎所有主要害虫均可以用农药防治,农药遂成为防治棉虫的主要手段。由于过多地依赖农药致使一些害虫产生了抗药性。首先是棉蚜与叶螨对内吸磷和乐果的抗性,继之棉叶蝉、棉铃虫、红铃虫对滴滴涕也产生了抗性,使这些原来是高效的农药相继退出了应用市场。同时农药造成的严重环     

Sublethal neonicotinoid insecticide exposure reduces solitary bee reproductive success

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Effect of chlorfluazuron and flufenoxuron on development and reproductive performance of the black cutworm,Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon, is an insect pest with great agricultural importance worldwide. In Egypt, it has acquired resistance against most of the conventional pesticides, particularly organophosphate insecticides, applied against it. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of two benzoylureas (chitin synthesis inhibitors) namely chlorfluazuron and flufenoxuron on some developmental and reproductive parameters of Agrotis ipsilon that survived treatment of newly molted fourth instars with the LC₅₀ of these compounds (1.00 and 4.68 mg/L, respectively) using leaf–dip method. These two compounds significantly enhanced the mean larval and pupal durations, whereas they significantly declined the mean percentage pupation, adult emergence, pupal weight, adult longevity, fecundity, and fertility compared to untreated insects. The mean pre-oviposition period was not significantly affected, whereas the mean oviposition period was significantly decreased. Both chlorfluazuron and flufenoxuron significantly decreased the mean total protein, carbohydrate, and lipid content in the ovaries compared to untreated insects, except for insignificant decrease in the total protein in flufenoxuron-treated ones. Additionally, the total ovariolar length was significantly atrophied. In conclusion, chlorfluazuron and flufenoxuron interfere with vitellogenesis of A. ipsilon. Moreover, they could suppress the population size of this insect species by affecting its development and reproductive potential.     

A method to assess the effects of pesticides on the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis (Acari Phytoseiidae) in the laboratory

Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari Phytoseiidae) is a major predator of Tetranychus urticae (Acari Tetranychidae). The performance of P. persimilis in controlling T. urticae may be altered by pesticides used to manage other pests. Therefore, knowledge of the side-effects of pesticides is essential for IPM. A number of laboratory methods were suggested to evaluate pesticide side-effects on predatory mites. Most methods assess residual effects only, and a number of them are characterised by high predator escape rates from experimental units. A method aimed at evaluating the topical and residual effects of pesticides on P. persimilis is herein described. Mites were treated by microimmersion and then reared in holding cells, on bean leaves previously dipped in a pesticide solution. Three insecticides (pyrethrins, spinosad and thiamethoxam), an insecticide-acaricide (abamectin), and two fungicides (azoxystrobin and tolylfluanide) were evaluated. The strain of P. persimilis used for evaluation was collected from unsprayed vegetable plants. All the pesticides affected the survival and fecundity of P. persimilis. Pesticides did not affect the egg-hatching of P. persimilis females exposed to pesticides. Pyrethrins and abamectin proved to be more toxic than other pesticides, and thiamethoxam was more toxic than spinosad, azoxystrobin and tolylfluanide. The escape rate from experimental units was lower than 5% in all trials. Additional experiments were performed on P. persimilis eggs by dipping leaves with eggs in the pesticide solution. None of the pesticides affected egg survival. Semi-field trials conducted on potted bean plants obtained results similar to those reported in laboratory trials.