Toxicity of spiromesifen to the developmental stages of Bemisia tabaci biotype B

Spiromesifen is a novel insecticidal/acaricidal compound derived from spirocyclic tetronic acids that acts effectively against whiteflies and mites via inhibition of acetyl-CoA-carboxylase, a lipid metabolism enzyme. The effects of spiromesifen on the developmental stages of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) were studied under laboratory conditions to generate baseline action thresholds for field evaluations of the compound.

Adult B. tabaci mortality rate after spiromesifen treatment (5 mg L(-1)) was 40%. Treatment with 0.5 mg L(-1) reduced fecundity per female by more than 80%, and fertility was almost nil. LC(50) for eggs was 2.6 mg L(-1), and for first instar 0.5 mg L(-1). Scanning electron microscopy revealed that eggs laid by treated adult females had an abnormally perforated chorion, and females were unable to complete oviposition. Light and fluorescent microscopy showed significantly smaller eggs following treatment, and smaller, abnormally formed and improperly localized bacteriomes in eggs and nymphs. The number of ovarioles counted in females treated with 5 mg L(-1) was significantly reduced. Spiromesifen showed no cross-resistance with other commonly used insecticides from different chemical groups, and resistance monitoring in Israel showed no development of field resistance to this insecticide after 1 year of use.

The strong effect on juvenile stages of B. tabaci with a unique mode of action and the absence of cross-resistance with major commonly used insecticides from different chemical groups suggest the use of spiromesifen in pest and resistance management programmes.