Suseptibility of the Predatory Mite, Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae), to Seven Insecticides

Abstract Susceptibility of the predatory mite, Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Acari: Phytoseiidae), to the field rates of seven commercial insecticides was evaluated in laboratory bioassays. In direct treatments with lufenuron, novaluron, pyrifluquinazon, and sulfoxaflor, 82–88% of N. californicus adult females survived 168 h after exposure. Females exposed to these four insecticides produced 14–19% fewer eggs compared to females in the control group. Eclosion of eggs deposited by treated females was not affected. The percentage of eggs that hatched and larval survival following direct exposure to these four insecticides were not seriously reduced. A total of 72–82% of immature N. californicus survived on leaf discs with residues of lufenuron, novaluron, pyrifluquinazon, and sulfoxaflor matured to adults. Emamectin benzoate, lepimectin and spirotetramat were highly toxic to both N. californicus adult females and larvae. Based on these results, lufenuron, novaluron, pyrifluquinazon and sulfoxaflor are promising candidates for use in integrated pest management programs where N. californicus is a major natural enemy.