Pymetrozine: Selectivity spectrum to beneficial arthropods and fitness for integrated pest management

Pymetrozine is the first and only substance from the group of azomethine pyridines, a novel class of insecticides. The spectrum of activity covers sucking pests such as aphids, whiteflies and planthoppers. Tests were carried out in the laboratory and under field conditions to evaluate its impact on beneficial arthropods. In laboratory tests it demonstrated full selectivity against predaceous Coleoptera, Heteroptera, Neuroptera and the predatory mite Typhlodromus pyri.Following a single application at 250/200 g a.i./ha on cotton in Egypt and in the USA, the regular sampling of predators over a period of three weeks revealed a similar population development in the pymetrozine and the untreated control plots. On okra, a vegetable crop in Egypt, it suppressed populations of Aphis gossypii with two sprays at 100 g a.i./ha for the whole observation period of 23 days. It also allowed the survival of predators. These positive features make pymetrozine an ideal component in situations where sucking pests have to be controlled and natural enemies can play a substantial role as complementary control tools.