Selectivity of eight insecticides to predators of citrus caterpillars

Abstract

The selectivity of abamectin, acephate, carbaryl, deltamethrin, fenitrothion, fenpropathrin, methyl parathion and trichlorfon to the predators Brachygastra lecheguana (Latreille), Protonectarina sylveirae (Saussure) and Protopolybia exigua (Saussure) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) was evaluated using insecticide concentrations corresponding to 50% and 100% of the current recommended rate for citrus caterpillars. The insecticides studied were not selective in favor of the predator P. sylveirae. Fenitrothion, fenpropathrin, methyl parathion and trichlorfon were not selective in favor of the predator B. lecheguana and P. exigua. Abamectin, acephate and carbaryl showed median selectivity in favor of P. exigua, and the same was observed with abamectin and carbaryl in favor of B. lecheguana. Acephate was selective in favor of B. lecheguana and deltamethrin in favor of P. exigua. The high mortalities caused by deltamethrin in P. sylveirae, trichlorfon in B. lecheguana and acephate in P. exigua decreased when the lower concentration was used. B. lecheguana was the most tolerant predator to the higher acephate concentration, followed by P. exigua and P. sylveirae. P. exigua was more tolerant to the higher deltamethrin concentration than B. lecheguana and P. sylveirae. The three predator species were highly susceptible to both concentrations of fenitrothion, fenpropathrin and methyl parathion, and the higher concentration of trichlorfon.