Pest Management Science (2011) 67, 560-567

Steven Van Timmeren, John C. Wise, Christine VanderVoort and Rufus Isaacs (2011)
Comparison of foliar and soil formulations of neonicotinoid insecticides for control of potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Homoptera: Cicadellidae), in wine grapes
Pest Management Science 67 (5), 560-567
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The potential of systemic neonicotinoid insecticides to control potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris), a damaging pest of wine grapes in the eastern United States, was investigated. Soil or foliar applications were made to potted or field-grown vines, and the response of leafhoppers was determined in clip cages over the following month on young or mature leaves.
RESULTS: Foliar application of imidacloprid caused immediate and long-lasting reductions in E. fabae survival on both leaf ages, whereas the activity of soil-applied imidacloprid was delayed. Clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam all provided long-lasting reduction in leafhopper survival on young and mature foliage when applied through either delivery route. However, the percentage of moribund nymphs was significantly greater on foliar-treated vines and increased over time in mature and immature leaves compared with soil-treated vines. Residue analysis of foliar-applied imidacloprid showed an 89% decline in mature leaves from day 1 to day 27, and a 98% decline in immature leaves over the same time period. Comparison of soil-applied clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam in field-grown vines showed significant reduction in E. fabae only on mature leaves of vines treated with thiamethoxam.
CONCLUSIONS: Neonicotinoids can control E. fabae in small vines, even in rapidly expanding foliage where this pest causes greatest injury. Soil application provides superior long-term vine protection because declining residues on foliar-treated vines lead to suboptimal activity within 2-3 weeks. Vineyard managers of susceptible cultivars may take advantage of this approach to E. fabae management by using foliar applications of the three neonicotinoids tested here, or by using soil-applied thiamethoxam.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Rufus Isaacs, John C. Wise

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Empoasca fabae	Grapevine (Vitis)