Efficacy of Insecticides against Stethopachys formosa Baly (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a Pest of Orchids in Eastern Australia

Abstract

Experiments were carried out to determine the efficacy of insecticides for control of the orchid beetle Stethopachys formosa Baly on the orange crucifix orchid Epidendrum×obrienianum as plant host. Bendiocarb 0.4 g L−1, carbaryl 1.0 g L−1, methidathion 0.5 g L−1, and methiocarb 1.5 g L−1, were the most effective spray treatments, rapidly killing adults, Dimethoate 0.3 g L−1 and maldison 0.5 g L−1 were less effective, whilst diazinon 1.32 g L−1, fluvalinate 0.96 g L−1, pyrethrum 0.78 g L−1 and trichlorfon 1.25 g L−1 were ineffective. Bendiocarb, carbaryl, diazinon, fluvalinate and methidathion applied to eggs all prevented maturation of larvae. Carbaryl 1 g L−1 effectively controlled field infestations. Copyright © 1994, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved