Comparison between the Effectiveness of Certain Insecticides and Entomopathogenic Nematodes Against Tortoise Beetle, Cassida vittata (Vill.) in Sugar Beet Fields and Their Side Effects on Coccinella undecimpunctata

Abstract

The tortoise beetle, Cassida vittata (Vill.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is considered the most serious pest on Sugar beet, Beta vulgaris L. (Chenopodiaceae), in Egypt. Field evaluation of eight insecticides: chlorantraniliprole, thiamethoxam, lufenuron, methomyl, carbosulfan, chlorpyrifos,spinetoram and abamectin comparing with two strains of entomopathogenic nematodes, (EPNs): Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (H88) and Steinernema carpocapsae (S2) against larvae and adults of the C. vittata and their side effects onCoccinella undecimpunctatawas the main goal of this wark,  inhabiting sugar beet fields during 2017 and 2018 sugar beet growing seasons at a field in Biyala, Kafr El Sheikh Governorate, Egypt. Data obtained revealed that chlorpyrifos, carbosulfan and thiamethoxam were the most efficient compounds against larvae and adults of C. vittata. However, chlorantraniliprole, spinetoram, abamectin and methomyl demonstrated a moderate toxic effect. Moreover, lufenuron was nontoxic. Also, data showed that a low effect of entomopathogenic nematodes against C. vittata and safe on C. undecimpunctata. Whereas, all tested insecticides significantly reduced the populationof C. undecimpunctata except lufenuron.