The effects of a synthetic insecticide and a mineral oil on alfalfa insect pests

SUMMaRY The effects of the synthetic insecticide Eforia 043 ZK (thiamethoxam+lambda-cyhalothrin), applied alone and at 1/5 and 2/5 reduced doses in a mix with the mineral oil Akarzin, on Tychius flavus Beck. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Adelphocoris lineolatus Goeze (Hemiptera: Miridae), Acyrthosiphon pisum Harr. (Hemiptera: Aphididae), harmful thrips (Thysanoptera) and cicadas (Hemiptera: suborder Auchenorrhyncha) were studied. The efficacy of Eforia (applied alone and in reduced doses) was significantly higher against A. pisum , followed by A. lineolatus and harmful thrips, compared to cicadas. The insecticidal action of Akarzin had a better protective effect against A. pisum , followed by A. lineolatus , in comparison with thrips and cicadas. Combined application of the broad-spectrum insecticide Eforia provided good control against insect pests. The mix of Eforia’s reduced 1/5 dose with the mineral oil showed the highest toxicity throughout the reporting period. Eforia applied at the reduced dose of 2/5 with Akarzin followed in efficacy. A synergistic effect was observed in combinations and was defined as subadditive synergism. Reduced dosage of Eforia and decrease in negative environmental impact of the plant protection products is a friendly approach to integrated pest control. It is important to apply innovative formulations of plant protection products that are safer both for plants and the environment.