Control of pecan aphids with an organosilicone surfactant

Abstract

Aphids cause major annual economic losses to the U.S. pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] industry and are becoming harder to control with standard pesticides. An evaluation of efforts by certain growers to suppress aphid populations using air-blast sprays of 0.05% Silwet L-77, a non-ionic super-wetting organosilicone surfactant, indicated that: 1) reductions in blackmargined aphid [Monellia caryella (Fitch)] levels were mostly attributable to the air-blast spray effect rather than to the Silwet L-77 component; 2) a 0.05% solution of Silwet L-77 reduced net photosynthesis (A) of foliage by 5% for at least 14 days post-treatment; and 3) the efficacy of 0.05% Silwet L-77 sprays is not substantially increased by doubling the volume of spray per tree (1868 L·ha-1). However, higher Silwet L-77 concentrations were highly effective in killing aphids, although there was little or no residual activity. A response curve indicated that air-blast sprays of orchard trees with 0.30% (v/v) Silwet L-77 (at 934 L·ha-1) are capable of reducing yellow pecan aphid (Monelliopsis pecanis Bissell) populations by at least 84% while only reducing A by ≤10%. Chemical names used: silicone-polyether copolymer (Silwet L-77).