Options for reducing the number of chorus cicada <i>Amphipsalta zelandica</i> (Boisduval) in kiwifruit orchards

Abstract

Chorus cicadas are regarded as a potential constraint to the productivity of kiwifruit orchards in New Zealand However limited research has been conducted on their management In this study the efficacy of insecticides and cultural methods to reduce numbers of cicadas in kiwifruit was determined Chlorpyrifos and thiamethoxam applied to eggnests did not reduce cicada hatch Soil application of thiamethoxam and pymetrozine at 800 g ai/ha did not reduce numbers of cicada nymphs in soil or emerging from soil to moult to adults Hoeing to a depth of 10 cm and application of a groundcover effectively reduced numbers of emerged cicada nymphs by 4050 Failure of insecticide treatments may be related to dry soil conditions and further trials of insecticides may be warranted Biological and cultural options such as the development of a biopesticide should also be considered as a more sustainable option to insecticides