Biorational insecticides for control of the tomato potato psyllid

Abstract

Since its discovery in 2006 the tomato potato psyllid Bactericera cockerelli (ulc) (TPP) has been considered a significant pest of solanaceous crops in New Zealand resulting in an intensification of insect pest control measures often with the use of broadspectrum insecticides In the search for more sustainable control methods in outdoor potato crops several biorational insecticides were tested in laboratory bioassays to assess their effects on TPP behaviour and mortality The products tested were Organic JMS StyletOil Excel Oil EcoOil Neem 600 WP and Sap Sucker Plus Given the efficacy of JMS Stylet Oil Sap Sucker Plus and Excel Oil at reducing TPP numbers and their probing/feeding deterrent qualities these products are now being tested in a field trial The impacts of the tested biorational insecticides on beneficial insects are also being assessed in laboratory and field trials