Predation performance and survival of susceptible and pyrethroid-resistant Eriopis connexa Germar (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to insecticides used in brassica crops.

BACKGROUND: Selective insecticides and insecticide-resistant natural enemies are components of chemical and biological methods that can be compatible in an integrated pest management (IPM) program. Many insecticides that are labeled for treatment against insects in Brassica crops have lost their efficacy because of the development of resistance. However, natural enemies can provide an important role in regulating the population of these pests. RESULTS: Survival of Eriopis connexa populations was >80% when exposed to insecticides, except for EcFM exposed to indoxacarb and methomyl. Bacillus thuringiensis, cyantraniliprole, chlorfenapyr and spinosad caused high mortality of P. xylostella larvae, but neither affected E. connexa survival nor its predation upon L. pseudobrassicae. Cyantraniliprole, chlorfenapyr, deltamethrin and methomyl caused high mortality of L. pseudobrassicae, but did not affect E. connexa survival nor its predation upon P. xylostella larvae. According to the differential selectivity index and the risk quotient, chlorfenapyr and methomyl were more toxic to P. xylostella larvae than to E. connexa, whereas indoxacarb was more toxic to E. connexa. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the insecticides B. thuringiensis, cyantraniliprole, chlorantraniliprole, deltamethrin, chlorfenapyr, spinosad, azadiracthin and spiromesifen are compatible with insecticide-resistant adult E. connexa within an IPM program in Brassica crops. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.