Date of Award

2013

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Entomology

First Advisor

Clifford S. Sadof

Committee Chair

Clifford S. Sadof

Committee Member 1

Ricky E. Foster

Committee Member 2

Ian Kaplan

Abstract

Calico scale (Eulecanium cerasorum) is an exotic pest of shade and ornamental trees. It feeds on phloem sap, reduces tree vigor and can ultimately kill trees. We observed effects of four foliar applied (bifenthrin, pyriproxyfen, chlorantraniliprole and cyantraniliprole) and two soil applied pesticides (dinotefuran, imidacloprid) on calico scales and their natural enemies on infested thornless honeylocust trees (Gleditsia triacanthos inermis) over three years. Bifenthrin, dinotefuran and cyantraniliprole provided the largest reductions in scale populations when they were applied to egg laying females on branches early in the season. In contrast, bifenthrin and pyriproxyfen provided the most consistent reductions in scales when they were applied to settled scales on leaves later in the season. None of the insecticides reduced natural enemy abundance when they were applied to egg laying females. In contrast, bifenthrin and pyriproxyfen reduced natural enemy abundance when they were applied to settled scales on leaves. Laboratory assays indicated that foliar applications of bifenthrin were highly toxic to larval Chrysoperla rufilabris (Chrysopidae: Neuroptera), 4 DAT but not 50 DAT. In contrast, toxicity of pyriproxyfen and chlorantraniliprole were moderately toxic to C. rufilabris at 4 DAT and 50 DAT. This suggests physiological selectivity of a pesticide and the timing of its application can influence its activity against scales and their natural enemies.

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