Chemical control of fig longicorn, Acalolepta vastator (Newman) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), infesting grapevines

Abstract  Chemical control trials against fig longicorn, Acalolepta vastator , were conducted on grapes in New South Wales between 1989 and 1994 using materials, some registered and others unregistered, for use in grapevines. Emerging adults and newly hatched larvae were exposed to direct and residual contact in a seasonal spraying strategy. Azinphos-methyl, chlorpyrifos and methidathion initially demonstrated efficacy, but later trials produced variable results with the first two insecticides. Azinphos-methyl gave superior residual adult control to chlorpyrifos. An urgent need for field control resulted in azinphos-methyl, chlorpyrifos and methidathion being recommended against A. vastator . Initial industry adoption resulted in an immediate reduction in the pest population, but a subsequent pest resurgence stimulated further study into more effective chemicals. In a trial of some new chemicals, imidacloprid and λ-cyhalothrin gave excellent control. A new spraying strategy comprising concentrated λ-cyhalothrin applied twice, the first early in the season and the second post-vintage gave excellent control. Difficulties with seasonal spraying provide encouragement for further development of this approach.     

A new strategy for the chemical control of fig longicorn, Acalolepta vastator (Newman) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), infesting grapevines

Abstract  Difficulties in controlling the grapevine borer pest fig longicorn, Acalolepta vastator , were experienced. Variable results with azinphos-methyl, chlorpyrifos and methidathion applied as seasonal sprays at 2-weekly or monthly intervals, coupled with inconsistent grower spraying practices, provided unreliable control. Pest resurgence resulted in a range of new chemicals and usage strategies being tested to overcome the problem. After extensive trialling an effective strategy for control of A. vastator was developed. This involved a single application of insecticide at dormancy, and after vineyard pruning, at a much higher rate than that normally registered for crop use. Bifenthrin (Talstar 100 EC) at 1000 mL/100 L, fipronil (Regent 200 SC) at 100 mL/100 L and imidacloprid (Confidor 350 SC) at 200 mL/100 L controlled emerging adults and young. This strategy overcomes a number of problems experienced with the previous chemical application method for this pest.