Susceptibility of Grapholita molesta to insecticides in Brazil

ABSTRACT: The use of insecticides has been the main tool for Grapholita molesta (Busck) control in Brazil, which is considered one of the most important pests in apple and peach orchards. In order to implement an Insect Resistance Management (IRM) program, studies were conducted to characterize the baseline susceptibility of G. molesta to major insecticides for its control. Then, we conducted an insecticide susceptibility monitoring in thirteen field-collected populations of the pest. Neonates (0-24h old) were exposed to insecticides applied on surface of artificial diet. A high susceptibility was verified when neonates of the Laboratory population of G. molesta were exposed to insecticides with LC50 values (µg a.i./cm2) of 0.1 (spinetoram), 1.0 (metaflumizone), 1.2 (chlorantraniliprole), 4.8 (novaluron), 5.1 (tebufenozide), 11.3 (phosmet) and 222.5 (pyriproxyfen). Based on the LC99 (µg a.i./cm2), the diagnostic concentrations of 0.6 (spinetoram), 5.5 (metaflumizone), 5.6 (chlorantraniliprole), 19.6 (tebufenozide), 37.4 (phosmet), 37.8 (novaluron) and 2011 pyriproxyfen) caused high mortality (>95%) of neonates from field populations. These diagnostic concentrations will be used in resistance monitoring programs of G. molesta in Brazil.