Compatibility of Pesticides with the Generalist Predatory Mite Amblyseius Largoensis (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the compatibility of synthetic and alternative pesticides to an important natural enemy associated with pest mites in citrus orchards, in São Luís Maranhão State, Brazil: the generalist predatory mite Amblyseius largoensis. The pesticides tested were abamectin, mineral oil, mancozeb, pyridaben, neem oil (Azadiractha indica) and crude cottonseed oil (Gossypium spp.). Compatibility of pesticides to A. largoensis was assessed as to adverse effects on mortality and fertility as well as to interference with growth rate. Overall, the results of adverse effects and growth rate were corroborative. Mancozeb, mineral oil and neem oil were classified as slightly harmful while the cotton oil and abamectin were classified as moderately harmful and pyridaben was considered harmful. The growth rate of A. largoensis females exposed to mancozeb, mineral oil, neem oil and cotton oil was positive indicating population growth. We conclude that neem oil, mineral oil and mancozeb are compatible with A. largoensis as they were less harmful to this predator.