The efficacy of insecticides against Australian citrus whitefly (<i>Orchamoplatus citri</i>)

Abstract

Australian citrus whitefly (ACWF) was first detected in Auckland in 2000 and has since spread to Kerikeri Gisborne and Bay of Plenty where it is causing sooty mould on a range of citrus varieties Although classical biological control is being considered for longterm management of this pest insecticidal control is required in the short term In a laboratory bioassay crawlers and young nymphs were the most susceptible life stages to insecticides while pupae and eggs were very tolerant Foliar applications of 11 insecticides and one soilapplied insecticide were tested in a potted plant trial targeting crawlers and young nymphs Ten weeks after application diazinon endosulfan and a soil application of imidacloprid had reduced infestations to nil Other effective products after 12 weeks were bifenthrin spirotetramat pyrethrin buprofezin azadirachtin maldison pyriproxifen and mineral oil Foliar applications of pymetrozine avermectin or soap did not significantly reduce numbers of ACWF compared with untreated plants at 12 weeks after application