Lethal effects of some botanical and chemical insecticides on the grain aphid, Sitobion avenae, and the flower fly, Episyrphus balteatus

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Assistant Professor, Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, AREEO, Tehran, Iran

10.22092/bcpp.2025.368278.385

Abstract

Abstract
Insecticides used for pest management in agriculture, may also affect non–target organisms. Wheat aphids are important pests of wheat, causing not only damage through feeding on plant sap but also transmitting viral diseases. In this study, the lethal effects of several recommended insecticides against wheat pests were evaluated on the green wheat aphid, Sitobion avenae, and the adult and pupal stages of its natural predator, the flower fly Episyphus balteatus. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications under laboratory conditions with a temperature of 24 ± 2°C, relative humidity of 50–60%, and a light: dark photoperiod of 8:16 hours. The treatments included fenitrothion at the recommended concentration (2 ml/L) and two lower concentrations (0.5 and 1 ml/L), deltamethrin at the recommended concentration (0.7 ml/L) and two lower concentrations (0.15 and 0.3 ml/L), matrine at the recommended concentration (1.5 ml/L) and three lower concentrations (0.7, 1, and 2 ml/L), and control (water). The mortality rates of aphids and flower fly were recorded, and insecticides were classified according to the IOBC method The results showed that all tested insecticides caused 100% mortality of wheat aphids. All treatments were harmful to adult flower flies except for the lowest concentration of matrine, which was moderately harmful. The highest adverse effect on flower fly pupae was caused by fenitrothion at 2 ml/L, resulting in 32.32% mortality, however, the mortality rate significantly decreased with lower concentrations. Deltamethrin at 0.7 ml/L and matrine at 2 ml/L caused 19.39% and 13.47% mortality in flower fly pupae, respectively, while lower concentrations of these compounds caused no mortality. Based on the results, it is recommended to avoid increasing application concentrations and to refrain from using deltamethrin, fenitrothion, and matrine during peak flower fly population periods. Given the important role flower flies play in the biological control of aphids, it is crucial to consider the adverse effects of insecticides on these insects in pest management programs.
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References

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BioControl in Plant Protection
Volume 11, Issue 2
January 2025
Pages 81-91

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