Cyantraniliprole mode of action against Diaphorina citri and Papilio demolius in Citrus reticulata

Abstract

Anthranilic diamide insecticides are currently in use for pest management in many crops across the world. There was an urging pressure for a newer chemistry for the management of sucking and defoliator pests of citrus in India. Hence, field studies were conducted at ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur to evaluate cyantraniliprole HGW86 10% w/v OD during 2016–17 as this molecule is not yet registered for use in citrus. The effects of cyantraniliprole HGW86 10% w/v OD (50, 60, and 70 g a.i./ha) along with two standards (Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 10g a.i./ha, thiamethoxam 25%WG @ 25g a.i./ha) against Diaphorina citri Kuwayama and Papilio demolius L. were investigated in the citrus orchards (> five years old) for two seasons. Application of cyantraniliprole @ 60g a.i./ ha and 70g a.i./ha were found to be significantly effective in management of citrus psylla (10.38 psylla/5cm twig) and lemon butterfly (2.68 larvae/plant), respectively. In addition, cyantraniliprole was found to be less toxic to predators in comparison to standards and thus may have less impact on biological control programmes. There was no phytotoxicity symptoms observed in treated plots. Percent increase in yield of 40.46 over control plots was recorded from plots treated with cyantraniliprole HGW86 10% w/v OD@ 70 g a.i./ha during the study. Generation of bio-efficacy data against different citrus insect pests will help to develop and integrate novel tools for the successful management of the pests and also to prevent the development of insecticide resistance. Based on the results of our present study, this new molecule can be recommended as an alternative for the increased usage of neonicotinoids against sucking insect pests of citrus to slow down development of resistance.