Effects of a kaolin-based particle film on obliquebanded leafroller (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Studies were conducted in 1997 to evaluate the effects of the kaolin-based particle film formulation M96-018 on adults, eggs, and larvae of the obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris). Particle film treatments significantly reduced female longevity, mating success, and number of egg masses oviposited compared with moths on untreated apple leaves in sleeve-cage and screen-cage tests. No differences in mating success or oviposition were caused by the application rates and coverage density of M96-018 on foliage. Females avoided ovipositing on particle film-treated leaves in choice tests. Larval hatch was not affected by topical application or residual exposure to M96-018. Larval weight gain and pupal weight were significantly reduced and larval mortality increased in no-choice feeding tests with M96-018. In choice tests, larvae preferred to feed on untreated leaf surfaces. The negative effects on larval development and survivorship on M96-018-treated foliage did not differ across a fourfold difference in spray application rate. A significant reduction in the number of infested shoots was found in orchard trials when M96-018 was applied before bud break in late March compared with untreated trees. No reductions in larval densities were found compared with an untreated control following prebloom and postbloom applications.