The objective of this work was to evaluate the selectivity of abamectin (0.0054 g a.i. L-1), deltamethrin (0.0125 g a.i. L-1), fenbutatin oxide (0.4 g a.i. L-1), lufenuron (0.0375 g a.i. L-1), tebufenozide (0.12 g a.i. L-1) and thiacloprid (0.036 g a.i. L-1) to eggs and larvae of Chrysoperla externa (Hagen). Commercial formulations of the insecticides were diluted in water and sprayed, using a Potter's tower, at 1.5 ± 0.5 mg.cm-2, either on eggs or on glass plates, where first, second and third-instar larvae were placed to assess the contact action on them. Egg viability, survival of larvae, pupae and adults, and the effects of the compounds on the reproductive capacity of individuals were evaluated. The total toxic effect (E) of the insecticides was calculated according to the standard methodology established by IOBC. All tested insecticides were selective for eggs of C. externa. Lufenuron and deltamethrin were highly toxic to first, second and third-instar larvae of C. externa (E > 99% of mortality). Abamectin, fenbutatin oxide, tebufenozide and thiacloprid were moderately toxic to larvae of C. externa. First-instar larvae were the most sensitive to the compounds. All tested insecticides need to be tested under greenhouse and field conditions, to further evaluate their suitability for IPM programs in citrus crops.
Green lacewing; chemical control; impact
