Laboratory Evaluation of Insecticides for control of the Invasive Cactoblastis cactorum (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Authors

  • Stephanie Bloem
  • Russell F. Mizell III
  • Kenneth A. Bloem
  • Stephen D. Hight
  • James E. Carpe

Abstract

We conducted laboratory assays of nine products registered for use on ornamental plants in Florida for their ovicidal and larvicidal activity against the invasive cactus moth Cactoblastis cactorum. One-hundred percent mortality (or 0% survival) of 1-day-old eggs was obtained when eggstick sections were treated with cypermethrin, spinosad, or imidacloprid. These products were equally as effective when assayed against eggs that were fully embryonated (28 days old), when cladodes of Opuntia stricta were exposed to neonates 24 hours after dipping, or to cladodes that were dipped and stored for 30 days before exposure. When Bacillus thuringiensis (Dipel®) was used to prevent neonate penetration into treated cladodes of O. stricta, 100% mortality (or 0% survival) was recorded in the laboratory.

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Published

2005-12-01

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Section

Literature Review Articles