Results of a preliminary test for the control of TSWV vectors in globe artichokes using chemical and biological insecticides
2011
Marongiu, G. | Sanna, D.
Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) has recently been reported to cause severe damage to globe artichokes in Northern Sardinia (Italy). The disease is vectored by several thrips species previously regarded as secondary pests of this vegetable crop. For this reason, no specific control measures against thrips have been routinely adopted on globe artichokes. To evaluate their efficacy for the management of TSWV vectors, four insecticides currently registered in Italy for use on globe artichokes (spinosad, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, and lufenuron), and two bio-insecticides used for thrips control on other crops (azadirachtin and a Beauveria bassiana-based product) were tested under semi-field conditions. While azadirachtin and B. bassiana were applied three times, all other products were sprayed twice. Twelve potted plants (4-10-leaf stage) were replicated four times in a completely randomized design. The mean number of live thrips present on four leaves randomly selected from each replicate was counted 3, 15, and 21 days after the first treatment. Infestation data were log-transformed prior to performing the ANOVA. The results achieved indicate deltamethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin to be the most active ingredients among the products tested. While spinosad and lufenuron proved effective after just two treatments, plants sprayed with B. bassiana and azadirachtin did not show any difference in terms of pest infestation compared to the controls. Although all the insecticides authorized for use on globe artichokes were found to be active against thrips, further studies are necessary to gather evidence of their efficacy for TSWV management. The two bio-insecticides tested here did not appear to be a reliable means of disease control.
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