Background: The codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), is one of the principal pests of pome fruits in the world. The effects of novaluron, a benzoylurea chitin synthesis inhibitor insecticide registered for use on apples in the USA, on fecundity and egg viability in codling moth were studied under laboratory conditions. Three different exposure methods were investigated: ingestion, contact and topical spray. Additionally, the duration of novaluron sublethal effects was measured subsequent to the three modes of exposure.
Results: The fecundity of codling moth adults was not significantly affected by novaluron with any of the exposure methods. However, novaluron did cause significant reductions in the proportion of egg hatch with all three exposure methods. The duration of sublethal effects was 9 days or more for all modes of exposure, but with the topical spray these effects began to diminish after 6 days.
Conclusion: Novaluron does not affect fecundity in codling moth, but has significant sublethal activity by reducing egg viability subsequent to adult exposure. The topical, contact and ingestion exposures all induce sublethal effects after exposure, and these persist to various degrees throughout codling moth oviposition. A more complete understanding of novaluron's lethal and sublethal activities will help IPM practitioners optimize its use for management of the codling moth.
2008 Society of Chemical Industry.