Lethal and sublethal effects of insecticides on Bathycoelia distincta (heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

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Authors

Pal, Elisa
Allison, Jeremy D.
Hurley, Brett Phillip
Slippers, Bernard
Fourie, Gerda

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Academy of Science of South Africa

Abstract

Bathycoelia distincta is one of the most dominant stink bug pests associated with macadamia orchards in South Africa. Understanding the toxicity and sublethal effects of insecticides on this pest is essential for its effective management. This study tested four commercial insecticide formulations, consisting of one organophosphate (acephate) and three pyrethroids (lambda-cyhalothrin, beta-cyfluthrin and tau-fluvalinate). The toxicity of these insecticides and their behavioural effects on mobility were assessed. The sublethal effects of lambda-cyhalothrin on the biological parameters of parent B. distincta (F0) and offspring generations (F1) were also determined by treating B. distincta adults with sublethal concentrations (LC10 and LC30). In toxicity bioassays, acephate was more toxic to B. distincta than lambda-cyhalothrin, beta-cyfluthrin and tau-fluvalinate. Behavioural changes were only observed in bugs exposed to pyrethroids, resulting in an increase in the distance walked and decrease of angular velocity. In the F0 generation, LC30 reduced the fecundity whereas the LC10 and LC30 accelerated development of the F1 generation. These results suggest that pyrethroids may enhance the dispersal of this pest and stimulate the growth of offspring populations. Further experiments should be conducted to confirm these results and understand the mechanism of action of pyrethroids on B. distincta.

Description

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT: The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Keywords

Toxicity, Pyrethroids, Macadamia, Bathycoelia distincta, Stink bug pests, Macadamia orchards, South Africa (SA), Insecticides, SDG-15: Life on land, SDG-02: Zero hunger

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG-02:Zero Hunger
SDG-15:Life on land

Citation

Pal, E., Allison, J.D., Hurley, B.P. et al. 2024, 'Lethal and sublethal effects of insecticides on Bathycoelia distincta (heteroptera: Pentatomidae)', African Entomology, vol. 32, art. e16992, pp. 1-9, doi : 10.17159/2254-8854/2024/a16992.