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.