Pest Management Science (2012) 68, 202-208

Andrew J. Frewin, Arthur W. Schaafsma and Rebecca H. Hallett (2012)
Susceptibility of Aphelinus certus to foliar-applied insecticides currently or potentially registered for soybean aphid control
Pest Management Science 68 (2), 202-208
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Soybean aphid, a serious economic pest of soybean in North America, is currently managed by applying non-selective foliar insecticides during outbreaks according to decision thresholds and crop maturity. Natural enemies, such as the parasitoid Aphelinus certus Yasnosh, potentially play an important role in suppressing soybean aphid. Using selective insecticides that preserve A. certus may enhance the biological control service they provide and thus prevent or reduce the severity of soybean aphid outbreaks. The toxicity of five insecticides (λ-cyhalothrin, dimethoate, flonicamid, mineral oil, spirotetramat) and the biopesticide Beauveria bassiana to A. certus was assessed.
RESULTS: The LD₅₀ values of λ-cyhalothrin and dimethoate were similar; however, the hazard quotient of dimethoate was greater than that of λ-cyhalothrin. In a screening bioassay, the descending order of toxicity for the recommended rates 48 h after application was dimethoate > λ-cyhalothrin > flonicamid > mineral oil > Beauveria bassiana > spirotetramat.
CONCLUSIONS: Overall, λ-cyhalothrin and dimethoate were both harmful to A. certus. The other insecticides tested were harmless to A. certus and are potential candidates for inclusion in soybean aphid management programs.
(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): Arthur W. Schaafsma, Rebecca H. Hallett

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
health/environmental effects of pesticides
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
application technology

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Aphis glycines
Beauveria bassiana (entomopathogen)	Aphis glycines
Aphelinus certus (parasitoid)	Aphis glycines