Efficiency of insecticides for the control of the Eurhizococcus brasiliensis (Hemiptera: Margarodidae) in culture of the Vineyards

Abstract

The Brazilian ground pearl Eurhizococcus brasiliensis (Hemiptera: Margarodidae) is a major pest of vineyards in Brazil. In this study we evaluated the effect of imdacloprid (Premier 700 WG®), thiamethoxam (Actara 250 WG®), spirotetramat (Movento 240 SC®), fipronil (Standak®) and azadirachtin (Azamax®) to control the insect. Four experiments were conducted during two years (2009-2011) in fields naturally infested by the pest, evaluating pest control by counting the insects in the roots eight months after planting. Fipronil (Standak®, 0.37 ml of active ingredient/plant) applied in to the soil reduced pest population in 100% when compared with the control treatment (no insecticides). Soil application of fipronil was equivalent to imidacloprid and thiamethoxan standard insecticides used for Brazilian ground pearl control. Soil application of azadirachtin (Azamax®, 0.24 ml of a.i./plant) and foliar spraying of spirotetramat (Movento SC® 240, 24 ml a.i./100 L of water) reduced pest infestation in approximate 50 and 60%, respectivelly. We conclude that the soil application of fipronil provides similar control than neonicotinoid insecticides imidacloprid and thiamethoxam and azadirachtin and can be an alternative for pest suppression in organic vineyards.