Augmentation of the assassin bug Pristhesancus plagipennis (Walker) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) as a biological control agent for Helicoverpa spp. in cotton

Third-instar nymphs of the Australian assassin bug, Pristhesancus plagipennis (Walker), were released into cotton plots at two release densities and two crop growth stages to test their biological control potential. Release rates of 2 and 5 nymphs per metre row resulted in field populations of 0.51 and 1.38 nymphs per metre row, respectively, indicating that over 70% of nymphs died or emigrated within two weeks of release. Effective release rates of 1.38 nymphs per metre row reduced the number of Helicoverpa spp. larvae in the plots for a 7-week period. Crop yields were significantly greater in the plots to which P. plagipennis nymphs were released, with the effective release rate of 1.38 nymphs per metre row providing equivalent yields as insecticide treated plots. The data suggest that P. plagipennis has the capacity to reduce Helicoverpa spp. larvae densities in cotton crops when augmented through inundative release.     

Potential for integrating eleven agricultural insecticides with the predatory bug Pristhesancus plagipennis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

A problem for growers attempting to implement integrated pest management programs is the lack of information regarding the compatibility of insecticides with natural enemies. To provide information about this problem, we evaluated the acute and residual effects of 11 commonly used insecticides on nymphs of Pristhesancus plagipennis (Walker) under both laboratory and field conditions. For each insecticide, the length of time that weathering residues caused > 50% mortality was evaluated and compared against the LC50 (acute-toxicity) divided by the recommended field rate. Plots thus combined the acute and residual toxicity of each insecticide. Results suggested that carbaryl, esfenvalerate, endosulfan, and deltamethrin had low residual and acute toxicity to P. plagipennis, whereas chlorpyrifos, methomyl, and monocrotophos were highly toxic at low concentrations and left persistent harmful residues. Cypermethrin, methidathion, malathion, and dimethoate were moderately toxic. The potential use of these insecticides to supplement the control activity of P. plagipennis is discussed.     

Evaluating new insecticides for the control of Helicoverpa spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on capsicum and zucchini

Abstract  The efficacy of insecticides in controlling Helicoverpa spp., predominantly H. armigera (Hübner), on capsicum and zucchini was tested in small plot trials. Indoxacarb, methoxyfenozide, spinosad, emamectin benzoate and novaluron provided control, as measured by the percentage of damaged fruit, equal to or better than standard treatments of methomyl or methomyl alternated with methamidophos on capsicum. The Helicoverpa nucleopolyhedrovirus gave control equivalent to the standard treatment, as did Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai , but B. thuringiensis kurstaki was ineffective. Helicoverpa armigera larvae were present in zucchini flowers but did little damage to the fruit. None of the insecticides significantly reduced the percentage of damaged zucchini fruit compared with the untreated control. Bifenthrin, spinosad, emamectin benzoate and methoxyfenozide were effective in controlling larvae in flowers, while methomyl, B. thuringiensis aizawai , B. thuringiensis kurstaki and novaluron were not effective. Data indicated that all the insecticides effectively controlled larvae of Diaphania indica (Saunders), cucumber moth, in the zucchini flowers. There has been a limited range of insecticides available to manage Helicoverpa spp. in these vegetable crops, but these trials demonstrate the effectiveness of a number of newer insecticides that could be used and that would be compatible with integrated pest management programs in the crops.     

Lethal and sublethal effects of insecticide residues on Orius insidiosus (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and Geocoris punctipes (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae)

Laboratory-reared predators, the insidious flower bug, Orius insidiosus (Say), and big-eyed bug Geocoris punctipes (Say), were exposed to 10 insecticides, including three newer insecticides with novel modes of action, using a residual insecticide bioassay. These species are important predators of several economic pests of cotton. Insecticides tested were: azinphos-methyl, imidacloprid, spinosad, tebufenozide, fipronil, endosulfan, chlorfenapyr, cyfluthrin, profenofos, and malathion. There was considerable variation in response between both species tested to the insecticides. Tebufenozide and cyfluthrin were significantly less toxic to male O. insidiosus than malathion. Tebufenozide was also significantly less toxic to female O. insidiosus than malathion. Imidacloprid, tebufenozide, and spinosad were significantly less toxic to male G. punctipes than chlorfenapyr, endosulfan, and fipronil. Spinosad, tebufenozide, and azinphos-methyl were significantly less toxic to female G. punctipes than fipronil and endosulfan. Fecundity of O. insidiosus was significantly greater in the spinosad treatment compared with other treatments including the control. Consumption of bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), eggs by O. insidiosus was significantly lower in the fipronil, profenofos, and cyfluthrin treatments compared with other treatments including the control. Consumption of H. zea eggs by G. punctipes was significantly lower in the malathion, profenofos, endosulfan, fipronil, azinphos-methyl, and imidacloprid treatments compared with the control. Egg consumption by G. punctipes was not significantly different in the tebufenozide treatment compared with the control. The lower toxicity of spinosad to G. punctipes is consistent with other reports. Based on these results, the following insecticides are not compatible with integrated pest management of cotton pests: malathion, endosulfan, profenofos, fipronil, and cyfluthrin; while imidacloprid, tebufenozide, azinphos-methyl, and spinosad should provide pest control while sparing beneficial species.     

Microbial control of cotton pests. Part I: Use of the naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungus Aspergillus sp. (BC 639) in the management of Creontiades dilutus (Stal) (Hemiptera: Miridae) and beneficial insects on transgenic cotton crops

The development and adoption of transgenic (Bt) crops that express the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin has reduced the use of synthetic insecticide on transgenic crops to target Helicoverpa spp., the major insect pest of cotton in Australia. However, it has also increased the threat posed by sucking pests, particularly Creontiades dilutus (green mirid), which are unaffected by the Bt toxins in transgenic cotton crops. Here we report the efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungus Aspergillus sp. (BC 639) in controlling the infestation of transgenic cotton crops by C. dilutus and promoting interactions of transgenic cotton with beneficial insects. The results showed that the number of C. dilutus adults and nymphs recorded on plots treated with 1000, 750, 500, 250 ml/ha BC 639 fungus formulation were the same as on plots treated with the recommended concentration of the commercial insecticide Fipronil. The fungus was found to have minimal effect on predatory insects compared with Fipronil and was most effective against C. dilutus when applied at the rate of 500 ml/ha (equivalent to 50 g spores/ha). At this rate, the fungus was as effective as Fipronil for controlling C. dilutus populations and ensured the survival of predatory beetles, lacewings and spiders compared with Fipronil treatment. The yield from fungus-treated plots was 5.24 bales per acre compared with 5.40 and 3.88 bales per acre for Fipronil-treated and unsprayed plots, respectively. The ability of the BC 639 strain to control C. dilutus infestations of transgenic cotton crops while conserving beneficial insect populations suggests its potential for supplementing integrated pest management programs to reduce the use of synthetic insecticides for transgenic cropping systems.     

Towards the on-farm conservation of the assassin bug Pristhesancus plagipennis (Walker) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) during winter using crop plants as refuges

Abstract Habitat instability associated with seasonal crop succession in broad-acre farming systems presents a problem for the conservation and utilisation of beneficial insects in annual field crops. The present paper describes two experiments used to measure the potential of seven plant species to be utilised as winter refuges to support and conserve the predatory bug Pristhesancus plagipennis (Walker). In the first experiment, replicated plots of canola ( Brassica napus ), red salvia ( Salvia coccinea ), niger ( Guizotia abyssinica ), linseed ( Linum usitatissimum ), lupins ( Lupinus angustifolius ), and lucerne ( Medicago falcata ) were planted in a randomized experiment during Autumn 1998. Upon crop establishment, adults and nymphs of P. plagipennis were released into treatment plots and their numbers were assessed, along with those of their potential prey, throughout the ensuing winter months. Post-release sampling suggested that canola and niger retained a proportion of adult P. plagipennis , while niger, lucerne and canola retained some nymphs. The other plant species failed to support P. plagipennis nymphs and adults postrelease. In the second experiment, niger was compared with two lines of sunflower ( Helianthus annus ). Both sunflower lines harboured significantly higher ( P  < 0.05) densities of P. plagipennis nymphs than did niger. The more successful refuge treatments (sunflower, niger and canola) had an abundance of yellow flowers that were attractive to pollinating insects, which served as supplementary prey on which P. plagipennis were observed to feed. Sunflower and niger also supported high densities of the prey insect Creontiades dilutus (Stål) and provided protective leafy canopies which supplied shelter during the winter months. The potential and limitations for using each plant species as a winter refuge to retain P. plagipennis during winter are discussed.     

Development of a synthetic plant volatile-based attracticide for female noctuid moths. III. Insecticides for adult Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

We investigated the efficacy of insecticides combined with a plant volatile-based attractant for Helicoverpa armigera moths, under laboratory and field conditions. In the laboratory, 16 insecticides were assessed by the level of mortality and time to incapacitate and kill moths. The proboscis extension reflex technique was used for dosing moths. The pyrethroids, bifenthrin (only when synergised by the addition of piperonyl butoxide (PBO) but not without it) and cyfluthrin (with or without PBO), endosulfan, the carbamates methomyl and thiodicarb, and spinosad killed all moths tested at rates equivalent to, or less than, those which would be applied in cover sprays targeting larvae. The shortest time to moth incapacitation and death was observed with methomyl and thiodicarb. Spinosad produced very high mortality but moths took much longer to die. The two pyrethroids gave relatively slow kills, as did endosulfan. In a field trial, four insecticides were combined with the attractant and dead moths were collected daily from 1 to 4 days after application of the attracticide on 50 m rows of cotton. Significantly more dead moths ( H. armigera , H. punctigera and other noctuids) were found near the rows treated with attracticide containing methomyl compared with spinosad, fipronil and deltamethrin. For determining the impact of attracticides by recovering dead moths, quick acting insecticides are required to prevent moths flying away from the treated area to locations where they cannot be found. Methomyl and thiodicarb are suitable for this, but other insecticides especially spinosad could be used where quick action is not needed. Large numbers of moths were killed in the field trial, suggesting that attracticides for female Helicoverpa spp. moths could have significant impacts on local populations of these pests.     

Studies in cotton fields in Egypt on the effects of pheromone mating disruption on Pectinophora gossypiella (Saund.) (Lep., Gelechiidae), on the occurrence of other arthropods, and on yields

In 1999, in the Governorate of Fayum, Egypt, an organically managed area of 66 ha (33 ha of cotton) was subjected to pheromone mating disruption (MD) in order to control Pectinophora gossypiella (PBW). Tripherone-PecGos dispensers (Trifolio-M Comp., Lahnau, Germany), evaporating 0.7 mg pheromone per day, were applied, at a density of 300 dispensers per hectare, in mid-June when the first bolls were forming. In a neighbouring area of conventional agriculture, no PBW-MD was used. Instead, two insecticides were sprayed in the cotton fields: Profenophos in early July, and Esfenvalerate in early August. Two cotton fields (0.5–1 ha each) were studied in each area. Boll infestation by PBW was low in the area with mating disruption, and significantly higher in the conventionally managed cotton, prior to insecticide use (June) and in August 1999. Bemisia tabaci , Aphis gossypii and Empoasca lybica infested conventional cotton in significantly higher numbers than organic cotton. Spiders proved to be more common in organically grown cotton (with PBW-MD) than in conventionally managed cotton (with mineral fertilizers and insecticides). The reasons of these differences are discussed. In 1998, the cotton yield had shown no differences between organically and conventionally managed farms (both used insufficient PBW-MD). However, in 1999, the yield from the organically grown cotton (with MD) was significantly (52%) more than that from conventionally managed cotton (with insecticides). In this study, PBW-MD proved to be superior to insecticides in several aspects.     

Taxonomic Review of Creontiades Distant in Australia (Hemiptera: Miridae: Mirinae)

The two species of Creontiades Distant occurring in Australia, C. dilutus (Stål) (Australian endemic) and C. pacificus (Stål) (China, several countries in the Oriental and Australian regions including Tahiti and Micronesian islands) are redescribed, illustrated and their distributions are mapped. Megacoelum modestum (Distant) and C. virescens Reuter are synonymised with C. dilutus , and C. pallidifer (Walker) with C. pacificus. Available host plant information is provided for both species. C. dilutus , commonly known as green mirid, is a pest of cotton, potato, stone fruit, lucerne and other crops in certain parts of Australia. the generic limits of Creontiades and the closely related, world-wide distributed Megaceolum Fieber are reviewed based on examination of Australian species and the type species.     

Effects of methoxyfenozide, indoxacarb, and other insecticides on the beneficial egg parasitoid Trichogramma nr. brassicae (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) under laboratory and field conditions

Trichogramma nr. brassicae is a common egg parasitoid of Helicoverpa species in Australian processing tomatoes, but its effectiveness can be severely curtailed by insecticide applications. To identify insecticides that are potentially compatible with this species, the effects of seven insecticides, including newly introduced compounds and a surfactant, were screened in laboratory and glasshouse assays for their toxicity to the wasps. Assays involved direct applications on adults, residual effects on adults, and applications on life stages still inside the host. Methoxyfenozide and indoxacarb were not toxic to Trichogramma in any assay when applied at field rates. Naled and chlorfenapyr caused 100% mortality when directly applied to adults, and 95% mortality when adults were exposed to residues of these chemicals within 24 h of application. The effects of naled residues were short lived (<48 h). Naled and chlorfenapyr were also toxic when applied to Trichogramma developing inside host eggs, reducing emergence of adults by >25%. Imidacloprid, emamectin, and tau-fluvalinate were toxic in some experiments; they caused >97% mortality in adults 1 h after direct application and in residue assays they caused 23-64% mortality during the first 24 h. In field trials, methoxyfenozide had no harmful effects on emergence from sprayed parasitized eggs, whereas indoxacarb had a small impact (<8%) on emergence. Methoxyfenozide and indoxacarb are potentially suitable for inclusion in integrated pest management strategies for management of Helicoverpa because they do not influence adult survival or development of immature stages, whereas other chemicals need to be treated cautiously.     

Insecticidal control of the mealybug Phenacoccus gossypiphilous (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), a new pest of cotton in Pakistan

The mealybug Phenacoccus gossypiphilous (Stanley) played havoc with the cotton crop in Pakistan during 2005. To control this pest, insecticides of different groups were evaluated in both the laboratory and in field conditions. In the laboratory, bifenthrin, profenofos and chlorpyrifos proved to be the best insecticides for mealybug control, based on their susceptibility with the leaf dip method for their LC₅₀. In field conditions, the recommended application rates of methomyl, profenofos and chlorpyrifos provided the best control: the lethal time studies proved their efficiency for better and timely control of this sporadic pest. The present study has shown that the insecticides tested, in particular profenofos, chlorpyrifos, methomyl and bifenthrin, provide satisfactory control of the cotton mealybug. The control of the insect pest complex throughout the cotton crop predominantly depends on wise and justified use of these chemicals, and necessitates development of an integrated pest management strategy.     

Efficacy of new insecticides for management of Helicoverpa spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Australian grain crops

Abstract  Insecticide resistance in Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) has led to the reduced efficacy of some older insecticide groups (pyrethroids and carbamates) and serious crop losses. Eight small-plot experiments were conducted to evaluate new insecticides for the management of H. armigera in grain crops. Several products showed efficacy equivalent to or better than the commercial standard, thiodicarb. Indoxacarb and spinosad at rates 50% or less of the registered rates for cotton were consistently superior to other tested products across the range of crops treated and provided residual protection for up to 14 d. The insect growth regulator compound, methoxyfenozide, was slower acting than other products tested, but demonstrated potential for H. armigera management. Pyridalyl performed well and warrants further evaluation in grain crops. We discuss the positioning of new compounds in an Insecticide Resistance Management Strategy (IRMS) in relation to a farming system that incorporates both grain and cotton crops. Use guidelines are recommended for indoxacarb, the first new compound to be registered in selected grain crops and cotton in Australia. These guidelines include restricted-use periods and limits on the number of applications per crop. It is anticipated that additional new compounds will be registered in grain crops, leading to the reduced selection pressure on the limited number of efficacious products. Coordinated insecticide use across farming systems and compatibility with developing integrated pest management programs should be fundamental considerations for the future IRMS.     

Development of Clitoria ternatea as a biopesticide for cotton pest management: assessment of product effect on Helicoverpa spp. and their natural enemies

The Australian cotton industry is now dominated by transgenic (Bt) varieties, which provide a strong platform for integrated pest management (IPM) of Helicoverpa spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). New IPM‐compatible tools are required to manage the development of resistance in Helicoverpa spp. and the control of other sucking pests. A 10‐year study commenced in 2001 to identify short‐range, non‐volatile compounds on organ surfaces of plants that deter feeding or oviposition, or are toxic and do not support development of Helicoverpa spp. on cotton plants. The results of the initial study identified Clitoria ternateaL. (Fabaceae) as non‐preferred for Helicoverpa spp. oviposition and larval feeding. The study found that C. ternatea fractionalized extract mixture (fractions 2, 3, 4, and 6) caused oviposition and feeding deterrence as well as direct toxicity to Helicoverpa spp. This study has developed an oil‐based semiochemical product from C. ternatea identified in the initial study into a potential commercial product. The application of 1–2% (vol/vol) of the oil‐based formulation of the C. ternatea mixture against Helicoverpa spp. on commercial transgenic and conventional cotton crops resulted in Helicoverpa spp. oviposition and larval feeding deterrence, as well as caused direct mortality to larvae. No negative effect on beneficial insects was observed. In conclusion, the ability of the oil‐based C. ternatea mixture to control Helicoverpa spp. infestations, while conserving beneficial insect populations, suggests its potential for use in supplementing IPM programs to reduce the use of synthetic insecticides on transgenic and conventional cotton crops.     

Integration of insect parasitic nematodes (Rhabditida steinernematidae) with insecticides for control of pest mole crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae: Scapteriscus spp.)

To develop a successful integrated pest management program for pest mole crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae: Scapteriscus spp.), it is important to ascertain the compatibility of infective juveniles of insect parasitic nematodes and chemical insecticides. Aqueous solutions of five pesticides (acephate, bifenthrin, deltamethrin, fipronil, and imidacloprid) used in turfgrass to control mole crickets were tested for compatibility with Steinernema scapterisci Nguyen & Smart (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) in the laboratory. Survival of S. scapterisci was >95% in solutions of acephate, bifenthrin, and imidacloprid. Infectivity of S. scapterisci in adult Scapteriscus vicinus Scudder was >60% in acephate and bifenthrin; however, infectivity was <40% in imidacloprid. The entomopathogenic nematode was compatible with most insecticides tested without significantly reduced survival or infectivity.     

Response ofHelicoverpa spp. (Lep.: Noctuidae) and their natural enemies to petroleum spray oil in cotton in Australia

Refined petroleum products have been used since last century for the control of phytophagous arthropod pests. The response ofHelicoverpa spp. and its natural enemies to petroleum oil sprays on cotton was investigated under laboratory choice/no-choice and small plot field conditions at the Australian Cotton Research Institute at Narrabri in New South Wales. In oviposition choice and no-choice tests, petroleum oil sprays suppressed oviposition inHelicoverpa punctigera (Wallengren) but notH. armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).H. punctigera females laid about seven times as many eggs on the control (water sprayed) cotton plants as on either petroleum oil spray alone or oil mixed with Kelgum. HoweverH. armigera females laid the same number of eggs on both treated and control plants. In field trials, the number of eggs per metre per sample date found on the plots treated with petroleum oil spray was 3.83 compared with 6.29 and 7.82 eggs respectively on plots treated with conventional insecticide sprays and the unsprayed plots. The number of larvae found on plots treated with petroleum oil sprays was 2.9 times higher than the conventional insecticide sprayed plot, however, this was 1.6 times fewer than the unsprayed plot. The cotton yields from plots treated with petroleum oil sprays was 3.70 bales/ha compared with 7.32 and 2.69 bales respectively from the conventional insecticide treated and the unsprayed plots. Petroleum oil sprays had little or no effect on predatory beetles, bugs, lacewings and spiders.

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Résumé Des produits de pétrole raffiné ont été utilisés depuis le siècle dernier pour lutter contre les arthropodes ravageurs phytophages. La réponse deHelicoverpa spp. et des ses ennemis naturels à des pulvérisations d'huile de pétrole sur cotonnier a été étudiée en laboratoire dans des expériences de choix et d'absence de choix ainsi que dans de petites parcelles en plein champ à l'Institut de Recherche australien sur le coton (Narrabri, Nouvelles Galles du Sud). Dans des expériences de choix/non choix concernant l'oviposition, les pulvérisations d'huile de pétrole empêchaient la ponte d'Helicoverpa punctigera (Wallengren) mais pas deH. armigera (Hubner) (Lep.: Noctuidae). Les femelles deH. punctigera pondent environ 7 fois plus d'oeufs sur les plants de coton témoins (pulvérisés avec de l'eau) que sur les plants traités à l'huile de pétrole seule ou en mélange avec du Kelgum. Par contre,H. armigera pond le même nombre d'oeufs sur les plants traités ou témoins. Dans les essais en plein champ, les parcelles pulvérisées avec de l'huile de pétrole comportent significativement moins deHelicoverpa et présentent une récolte plus importante que celles non traitées; cependant le nombre de chenilles est plus élevé et la récolte moindre que dans les parcelles traitées avec des insecticides. Les pulvérisations d'huile de pétrole ont un effet faible ou nul sur la faune auxiliaire.

     

Rapid antibody-based field test to distinguish between Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Helicoverpa punctigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and Helicoverpa punctigera (Wallengren) are the two most important insect pests of cotton production in Australia and require application of insecticides to control them. H. armigera has developed resistance to several insecticides but H. punctigera has not. Cost-effective management of insecticide resistance requires that growers be able to determine the proportion of H. armigera eggs or young larvae present on their crop before applying insecticides. This is impossible visually. We generated two monoclonal antibodies that reacted with the insect protein "lipophorin" and were capable of discriminating individuals of the two species at all life-stages. The antibodies were incorporated into a rapid test kit that was tested under field conditions over two growing seasons. Results obtained with the kit agreed closely with those obtained by rearing larvae through to second instar.     

复配杀虫剂BtA对棉铃虫的杀虫效果及对天敌中红侧沟茧蜂蛹和成虫的触杀毒性(英文)

为了科学施药, 合理保护和利用天敌对棉铃虫Helicoverpa armigera进行综合防治, 本研究在室内测定和比较了复配杀虫剂BtA和7种常用杀虫剂（阿维菌素、 Bt、 β-氯氰菊酯、辛硫磷、定虫隆、氰戊菊酯和丁硫克百威）对棉铃虫的杀虫效果及对其天敌中红侧沟茧蜂Microplitis mediator蛹和雌成虫的触杀毒性。采用浸叶法测定杀虫剂在室内72 h内对棉铃虫3龄幼虫的杀虫效果, 结果表明： 与其他杀虫剂相比, BtA对棉铃虫幼虫具有更高的毒性和致死效应 (LC₅₀=0.7364 mg/mL)。将棉铃虫3龄幼虫接到用浓度4 mg/mL上述杀虫剂分别处理过的大白菜上24, 48和72 h, 发现其死亡率之间存在显著差异（P≤0.05）。但在72 h后, BtA和其他杀虫剂对棉铃虫幼虫的杀虫效果之间并无显著差异(P>0.05)。BtA施药后, 随着时间的延长, 棉铃虫幼虫的死亡率也在增加。另外, 通过杀虫剂对寄生蜂中红侧沟茧蜂蛹和雌成虫的触杀毒性的生物测定发现： 与β-氯氰菊酯、 氰戊菊酯和丁硫克百威相比, BtA对中红侧沟茧蜂蛹和雌成虫的毒性较低, 对其蛹和雌成虫致死率分别仅为13.82%和7.33%。本研究证明BtA对鳞翅目害虫具有中等毒性, 而对寄生蜂中红侧沟茧蜂则具有较低毒性。     

Laboratory and field studies on the integrated pest management of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) in cotton, based on pheromone trap catch threshold level

Abstract: With a view to using parasitoids and predators in integrated pest management of the target pest Helicoverpa armigera in cotton fields, basic studies on the egg parasitism, toxicity of insecticides to parasitoids and predators and compatibility of nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) of H. armigera with other insecticides were conducted in the laboratory. Results revealed that egg parasitism in the laboratory by Trichogramma chilonis was 75.6%. Among the insecticides tested against T. chilonis and the predator Chrysoperla carnea , nimbecidine (neem product) and dipel resulted in zero mortality, with only a low level of mortality by dimethoate, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, alphamethrin and monocrotophos. Combinations of nimbecidine 2% + NPV at 250 larval equivalents (LE)/ha and dipel 8 l + NPV @250 LE/ha were the most effective treatments against H. armigera . The integrated pest management components ( T . chilonis , C . carnea , NPV, nimbecidine, dipel and synthetic chemicals) were imposed at different intervals on the basis of pheromone trap threshold level (7 moths/trap per night) on a consolidated block of 40 ha cotton (MCU-1) fields at two locations, Shankarabanda and Korlagundi. The results demonstrated a significant superiority of the IPM strategy in terms of both cost versus benefit and environmental safety over that used in the farmer's fields where only conventional control methods were followed.     

A review on biological interactions and management of the cotton bollworm,Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is one of the most damaging insect pests globally, causing estimated global economic losses of over 3 billion US dollars annually. Crops most affected include cotton, tomato, soybean, grain crops such as corn and sorghum, chickpea and other pulses. Adults of this species possess strong migratory abilities (>2000 km), high fecundity and rapid reproductive rates; completing 4–6 generations per year in most cropping regions. Furthermore, the larvae are polyphagous, with a wide and diverse host range and possess the ability to enter diapause in order to survive adverse climatic conditions. At present, it is distributed across most of Oceania, Asia, Africa and southern Europe and has recently spread to South America. Various control measures have been trialled or proposed for the treatment of this pest, including synthetic insecticides, phytopesticides, microbial pesticides, macro-biocontrol agents (both parasitoids and predators) and the development of genetically modified crops (e.g. Bt cotton). Successful control necessitates the use of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach, wherein biological, chemical and physical control measures are combined for the greatest control efficacy.     

Evaluating legume species as alternative trap crops to chickpea for management of Helicoverpa spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in central Queensland cotton cropping systems

Mounting levels of insecticide resistance within Australian Helicoverpa spp. populations have resulted in the adoption of non-chemical IPM control practices such as trap cropping with chickpea, Cicer arietinum (L.). However, a new leaf blight disease affecting chickpea in Australia has the potential to limit its use as a trap crop. Therefore this paper evaluates the potential of a variety of winter-active legume crops for use as an alternative spring trap crop to chickpea as part of an effort to improve the area-wide management strategy for Helicoverpa spp. in central Queensland's cotton production region. The densities of Helicoverpa eggs and larvae were compared over three seasons on replicated plantings of chickpea, Cicer arietinum (L.), field pea Pisum sativum (L), vetch, Vicia sativa (L.) and faba bean, Vicia faba (L.). Of these treatments, field pea was found to harbour the highest densities of eggs. A partial life table study of the fate of eggs oviposited on field pea and chickpea suggested that large proportions of the eggs laid on field pea suffered mortality due to dislodgment from the plants after oviposition. Plantings of field pea as a replacement trap crop for chickpea under commercial conditions confirmed the high level of attractiveness of this crop to ovipositing moths. The use of field pea as a trap crop as part of an area-wide management programme for Helicoverpa spp. is discussed.