This research aimed to evaluate the effect of nineteen pesticides used in peach orchards on eggs and pupae of the predator Chrysoperla externa in bioassays carried under laboratory conditions (temperature of 25±1ºC, relative humidity 70±10% and 14 hours photophase). The pesticides were directly sprayed on eggs and pupae trough a Potter tower using the maximum recommended dosage for peach orchards. It was evaluated eggs and pupae viability, in addition to fecundity and fertility of adults emerged from treated pupae. The pesticides were classified to eggs according to reduction in eggs hatch, and to pupae according to the total effect into IOBC toxicity categories. Most of pesticides evaluated (8 insecticides, 8 fungicides and 2 herbicides) were harmless (category 1) to eggs and pupae, with a reduction in eggs hatch and total effect to pupae lower than 30%, except for the insecticide mineral oil, which reduced eggs hatch in 69.55% and caused a total effect of 36.22% in pupae, being therefore classified as slightly harmful (category 2) to eggs and pupae of C. externa
biological control; chemical control; natural enemy; integrated pest management; Prunus persica
