Lethal and sublethal effects of insecticides on the survival and reproduction of Brevipalpus yothersi (Acari: Tenuipalpidae).

The overuse of insecticides to control vector insects such as Diaphorina citri Kuwayama in citrus groves has altered the population dynamics of pest mites. Among phytophagous mites, population outbreaks of citrus leprosis mite, Brevipalpus yothersi Baker, have been increasingly intense and frequent in Brazilian citrus groves. Despite the great importance of the B. yothersi mite for citrus production, the lethal and sublethal effects of insecticides on this mite have not yet been studied. Therefore, in this study, the effects of insecticides commonly used for D. citri control on B. yothersi mortality, reproduction, and instantaneous growth rate were assessed. For this, two experiments were carried out, one under controlled conditions and another in a greenhouse. The insecticides tested were beta-cyfluthrin, bifenthrin, buprofezin, chlorpyrifos, dimethoate, pyriproxyfen, and thiamethoxam at 0 (control), 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and twofold the recommended insecticide concentration for D. citri control. The pyriproxyfen insecticide provided high mortality of B. yothersi even at low concentrations. Furthermore, this insecticide negatively interfered with the reproduction of this mite. Beta-cyfluthrin, bifenthrin, buprofezin, chlorpyrifos, dimethoate, and thiamethoxam, in the tested concentrations, showed low impact on citrus leprosis mite. Regarding the reproduction of the mite, no significant increase in fecundity was observed on B. yothersi females exposed to insecticide residues, regardless of the concentration tested. Therefore, the application of these insecticides in the management of pest insects is unlikely to promote an increase in the citrus leprosis mite population.

Effect of addition of adjuvants on physical and chemical characteristics of Bt bioinsecticide mixture.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is the main bacterium used in the formulation of bioinsecticides because it produces toxins and spores that are toxic to several orders of insects. The efficacy of Bt bioinsecticide is influenced by the quality of its application. The association with other crop protection products, such as adjuvants, can affect the physical and chemical parameters of the mixture. This study evaluated the physical and chemical parameters, volume median diameter (VMD), uniformity coefficient of droplets (SPAN), percentage of volume in drift droplets (%V <100 µm), contact angle, surface tension, potential of hydrogen (pH) and electrical conductivity (E.C.) of Bt bioinsecticides in concentrated suspension (SC), and wettable powder (WP) formulations associated with adjuvants. The largest droplet diameter and smallest values of drift droplets were found in the WP formulation with lower drift potential. The addition of mineral oil and surfactant to the mixtures of bioinsecticide reduced contact angle values and surface tension of the droplets, resulting in greater spreading of droplets in leaves. The addition of lecithin and propionic-acid-based adjuvants lowered the pH in both formulations. The adjuvants used in this study affected the physical and chemical characteristics of the mixtures, improving or impairing the quality of Bt bioinsecticide applications.