Adding microencapsulated pear ester to insecticides for control of Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in apple.
BACKGROUND
The possibility of improving the efficacy of various insecticides for codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), by the addition of a microencapsulated formulation of pear ester, ethyl (2E, 4Z)-2,4-decadienoate (PE-MEC, 5% AI), was evaluated in field trials in apple from 2005 to 2009.


RESULTS
The addition of PE-MEC (<3.0 g AI ha(-1) ) significantly lowered fruit injury with low rates of organophosphate and neonicotinoid insecticides. The addition of PE-MEC (1.48 g AI ha(-1) ) to maximum label rates of insecticides with moderate activity for codling moth, such as ebamectin benzoate, spinosad and methoxyfenozide, significantly improved their effectiveness. However, PE-MEC did not consistently improve the activity of maximum label rates of either rynaxypyr or spinetoram. The addition of PE-MEC with seasonal spray programs of acetamiprid and azinphos-methyl in combination with the use of sex pheromones for mating disruption provided the most effective control.


CONCLUSIONS
The addition of PE-MEC can improve the effectiveness of some insecticides for codling moth in apple. Insecticides active via dermal toxicity are more strongly improved by the addition of PE-MEC. Season-long use of PE-MEC can also augment the effectiveness of mating disruption. Adding PE-MEC to variable integrated management programs for C. pomonella should be further investigated.
Yakima Agricultural Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Wapato, WA 98951, USA. alan.knight@ars.usda.gov
Alan L
AL
Knight
Douglas M
DM
Light
D000818:Animals; D003651:Decanoates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007300:Insect Control / Q000379:methods*; D007306:Insecticides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007814:Larva / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D027845:Malus; D009036:Moths / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D010316:Particle Size; D010675:Pheromones / Q000378:metabolism*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry; D031989:Pyrus / Q000737:chemistry*; D012621:Seasons; D014861:Washington
D003651:Decanoates; D007306:Insecticides; D010675:Pheromones; C438223:ethyl-2,4-decadienoate; C010411:insect attractants