Selectivity of acaricide exposure on Galendromus occidentalis reproductive potential

Abstract

The effects of fenpyroximate (Fujimite®), acequinocyl (Kanemite®), etoxazole (Zeal®), spiromesifen (Oberon®) and bifenezate (Acramite®) on adult female Galendromus occidentalis (Nesbitt) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) survival, fecundity and fertility were assessed following exposure to leaf surface residue and direct contact. Exposure to leaf surface residues of either bifenezate or acequinocyl did not affect fecundity or egg hatch, while spiromesifen decreased fecundity and etoxazole reduced egg hatch. Treating adult females with bifenezate, acequinocyl or spiromesifen reduced fecundity but did not reduce egg hatch, while etoxazole reduced both fertility and fecundity. Fenpyroximate killed all of the females by either method of exposure. Total effects on female G. occidentalis varied among chemicals. Knowledge of specific effects of these acaricides on spider mite predators may facilitate their use in integrated pest management programs.

Keywords:

• Phytoseiidae
• western orchard predator mite
• fecundity
• fertility
• fenpyroximate
• acequinocyl
• etoxazole
• spiromesifen
• bifenezate

Acknowledgements

This study was conducted while F. J. S. was supported under joint sponsorship of the Fulbright Program and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports of Spain (Secretaria de Estado de Educacion y Univesidades cofinanciado por el Fondo Social Europeo). Funding was provided by the Almond Board of California.