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Methoxyfenozide, a reliable IPM compatible compound against Lepidoptera in pome fruit and vegetables with
D Bylemans1, L De Maeyer, A Auwerkerken
1Research Station for Fruit, Sint-Truiden, Belgium.
Abstract:
Methoxyfenozide (Runner 240 SC), a Moulting Accelerating Compound (MAC) currently submitted for registration in Belgium, is an IPM (Integrated Pest Management) compatible compound with strong, broad spectrum activity against lepidopterous pests in pome frunit and vegetables. Field trials have confirmed reliable efficacy against larvae of winter moth O. brumata , both the overwintering and summer generation of the summer fruit tortrix moth, Adoxophyes orana and also the tomato looper, Chrysodeixes chalcites. Methoxyfenozide can be applied in pome fruit from green cluster onwards, and due to its bee safety it can be used also during flowering. The high consistency obtained with methoxyfenozide on the overwintering caterpillars of fruit tortrix moth relates in part to its minimal temperature dependence, to its high rain fastness and to the high intrinsic activity (low EC50) and to the ability to control all larval feeding stages. The effects of a treatment of the hibernating generation of A. orana on the subsequent summer generations is discussed. By special caged trials (semi-field) the pest- stage specificity against codling moth Cydia pomonella was investigated. Applications of methoxyfenozide were made just prior to egg deposition, at peak of egg laying and at the black head capsule stage of the embryo of codling moth. Results revealed evidence of reduced fecundity of female moths and confirmed the outstanding larvicidal and ovicidal properties of the compound (Charmillot, 2001). Application from just before egg deposition to the black head stage in the eggs is recommended and the additional sterilising effect completes the activity profile of methoxyfenozide. Treated females show reduced egg deposition whereas treated males increase the percentage of sterile eggs. Reduced field performance of methoxyfenozide in orchards showing resistance to diflubenzuron (chitin synthesis inhibitor), supports the findings of other authors on the cross-resistance of MACs and diflubenzuron. It is recommended that such orchards are not treated with methoxyfenozide.
Insights
Methoxyfenozide demonstrates broad-spectrum efficacy against lepidopterous pests in pome fruit and vegetables. This Moulting Accelerating Compound (MAC) offers reliable control, ovicidal properties, and minimal temperature dependence for effective pest management.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Entomology
- Pest Management Science
- Insecticide Efficacy Studies
Background:
- Methoxyfenozide is a Moulting Accelerating Compound (MAC) with broad-spectrum activity against lepidopterous pests.
- It is compatible with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs in pome fruit and vegetable cultivation.
- Registration is pending in Belgium.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of methoxyfenozide against key lepidopterous pests.
- To assess its compatibility with IPM strategies, including use during flowering due to bee safety.
- To investigate its ovicidal and larvicidal properties, including effects on fecundity and egg viability.
Main Methods:
- Field trials were conducted to assess efficacy against winter moth, summer fruit tortrix moth, and tomato looper.
- Semi-field caged trials investigated pest-stage specificity against codling moth.
- Applications were timed relative to egg deposition and embryonic development stages.
Main Results:
- Methoxyfenozide showed reliable efficacy against larvae of winter moth, summer fruit tortrix moth, and tomato looper.
- The compound exhibited minimal temperature dependence, high rain fastness, and activity against all larval feeding stages.
- Trials confirmed outstanding larvicidal and ovicidal properties, with reduced female fecundity and increased sterile egg production.
Conclusions:
- Methoxyfenozide is an effective IPM-compatible insecticide for controlling various lepidopterous pests in pome fruit and vegetables.
- Its application timing, from pre-egg deposition to the black head stage, is recommended for optimal control, including ovicidal effects.
- Cross-resistance with diflubenzuron necessitates caution in resistant orchards; treatment with methoxyfenozide is not recommended in such cases.
