Lethal and Sublethal Effects of Methyl Benzoate on the Predatory Bug <i>Nesidiocoris tenuis</i>

• 出版年: Insects
• 主要な著者: Md Munir Mostafiz, Errol Hassan, Jae-Kyoung Shim, Kyeong-Yeoll Lee
• フォーマット: 論文
• 言語: 英語
• 出版事項: MDPI AG 2020-06-01
• 主題: biopesticides; natural compound; natural enemy; <i>Nesidiocoris tenuis</i>; sustainable agriculture
• オンライン･アクセス: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/11/6/377

Benzoates (naturally occurring plant toxins) produce pesticidal effects on various pest insects and mites, but their effects on non-target insects are poorly understood. In this study, we evaluate the lethal and sublethal toxicity of methyl benzoate (MB) to adults of the generalist predatory bug <i>Nesidiocoris tenuis</i> (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Miridae). To assess lethal effects, <i>N. tenuis</i> was exposed to plant surfaces treated with 0.25%, 0.5% and 1% MB, as well as negative and positive controls (water and the neonicotinoid acetamiprid, respectively). Exposure to 1% MB resulted in the highest corrected mortality of 17.8% and 13.3% under laboratory and greenhouse conditions, respectively. Thus, 1% MB can be classified as harmless to <i>N. tenuis</i> according to the International Organization for Biological Control rating scheme. At the sublethal level, MB exposure did not significantly affect the consumption of eggs of the whitefly <i>Bemisia tabaci</i> by <i>N. tenuis</i> relative to negative control feeding rates. In contrast, acetamiprid at the manufacturer’s recommended concentration reduced <i>N. tenuis</i> feeding activity by 45.4%. Furthermore, in a Y-tube olfactometer assay, there were no significant differences between the olfactory responses of <i>N. tenuis</i> to MB concentrations and the negative control (water). This study therefore suggests that MB could be used safely for pest control in combination with <i>N. tenuis</i>.