Compatibility of two novel insecticides dimpropyridaz and Beauveria bassiana PPRI 5339 with the beneficial insect Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter)

Abstract

Nesidiocoris tenuis is a zoophytophagous insect widely used commercially as a biological control agent against different pests and crops under greenhouse conditions. For a successful Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, it is crucial to know the compatibility of available and new crop protection products with biological control agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate and classify the lethal and sublethal effects of different crop protection products on the biological control agent N. tenuis, including the novel insecticides dimpropyridaz and Beauveria bassiana strain PPRI 5339, in accordance with the International Organisation for Biological and Integrated Control (IOBC) directives. Dimpropyridaz, B. bassiana PPRI 5339, the adjuvant fatty acid esters and the combination of B. bassiana PPRI 5339 with the adjuvant have been classified as harmless (IOBC 1 < 25% of mortality and beneficial capacity). The evaluation of reproduction and capacity for increase (rc) showed no significant sublethal effects between the previous compounds and the untreated control. Flupyradifurone, sulfoxaflor, and dimethoate were classified as harmful (IOBC 4 > 75% of mortality and beneficial capacity). The compatibility of these two new products (dimpropyridaz and B. bassiana PPRI 5339) with Nesidiocoris tenuis is of great importance because it adds new tools to be used in IPM programmes in which chemical and biological control strategies are used together.