Integrating chemical and biological control of European corn borer in bell pepper.
Using multiple locations and a series of field trials over 2 yr, we evaluated an integrated pest management program for Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) management in peppers involving biorational chemistries, inundative releases of Trichogramma ostriniae (Pang & Chen), and conservation of generalist predators. In small plot trials, three biorational insecticides (spinosad, indoxacarb, and methoxyfenozide) provided comparable control of O. nubilalis as two broad-spectrum conventional insecticides (acephate and lambda-cyhalothrin). However, lambdacyhalothrin at most locations, and indoxacarb at one location, resulted in outbreaks of green peach aphids. We also observed significant effects on the generalist predator community: beneficial communities in methoxyfenozide-treated plots were most similar to untreated controls, and acephate-treated plots were the least similar. Management systems comparing untreated controls, inundative release of T. ostriniae with methoxyfenozide applied when lepidopterans exceeded thresholds, or weekly applications of acephate or lambda-cyhalothrin, showed no effects on marketable fruit or percentage of fruit damaged, but the conventional insecticide approach caused aphid flares. Inundative releases of T. ostriniae and biorational chemistries provide a more environmentally sound approach to managing O. nubilalis in peppers, due, in part, to conservation of generalist predators.
Chapman
Anna V
AV
Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Eastern Shore AREC, Painter, VA 23420, USA.
Kuhar
Thomas P
TP
Schultz
Peter B
PB
Leslie
Timothy W
TW
Fleischer
Shelby J
SJ
Dively
Galen P
GP
Whalen
Joanne
J
D000818:Animals; D002212:Capsicum / Q000469:parasitology*; D007306:Insecticides; D007814:Larva; D008873:Mid-Atlantic Region; D009036:Moths; D010572:Pest Control, Biological
D007306:Insecticides