Field evaluation of spiromesifen, a new tetronic acid derivative, against European red mite (Acari: Tetranychidae) on apple

• Published in: Acta horticulturae no. 981; pp. 501 - 505
• Main Authors: Marčić, D, Perić, P, Stamenković, S, Milenković, S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: International Society for Horticultural Science 01-01-2013
• Subjects: apples; bifenthrin; biosynthesis; clofentezine; field crops; greenhouses; mechanism of action; orchards; Panonychus ulmi; spiromesifen; summer; trade; vegetation
• ISSN: 0567-7572; 2406-6168
• DOI: 10.17660/actahortic.2013.981.80

Spiromesifen, a new tetronic acid acaricide, has recently been developed worldwide for control of spider mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) in a number of greenhouse and field crops. Due to its new biochemical mode of action (lipid biosynthesis inhibition), this compound could provide excellent control of spider mite populations resistant to other acaricides. During 2010 vegetation season, biological efficacy of spiromesifen (product trade name Oberon) against summer population of European red mite (Panonychus ulmi) on apple was evaluated in trials conducted in commercial apple orchards at Morović and Slankamen localities, Srem District, Serbia. The efficacy of this acaricide was compared to clofentezine, bifenthrin, and tebufenpyrad. Spiromesifen achieved 88.8%, 94.6% and 92% efficacy in assessments 11, 22 and 32 DAT (days after treatment), respectively, at Morović, and 100% and 97.1% efficacy 11 and 25 DAT, respectively, at Slankamen. Tebufenpyrad demonstrated similar efficacy: 97.6%, 98.5% and 99.4% (Morović), and 92.7% and 84.5% (Slankamen). On the other hand, the highest efficacy of bifenthrin and clofentezine was 75.7% and 66.2%, respectively (25 DAT, Slankamen), and 69.8% and 30.9%, respectively (32 DAT Morović). The results proved spiromesifen (Oberon) to be effective in control of the European red mite on apple, and a good alternative to older acaricides.