Mixtures of dislodging agents and synthetic insecticides in the management of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in corn crops

Resumo

Certain behavioral characteristics of pest insects can hinder the effectiveness of insecticide applications. Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) catterpillars, for example, take shelter inside the whorl of corn plants, where they remain protected. To address this challenge, products with dislodging properties have been introduced to the Brazilian market with the aim of altering pest behavior and enhancing the efficacy of synthetic insecticides. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the control efficacy of two pre-selected dislodgers (Creolin Pearson^® and Kumulus DF^®) in binary mixtures with four insecticides commonly used in the management of S. frugiperda in southern Brazil (chlorantraniliprole, indoxacarb, methomyl, and spinetoram). To this end, a field trial was conducted during the 2023/2024 crop season, under natural infestations of S. frugiperda. Kumulus DF^® improved the control efficacy of all tested insecticides, whereas Creolin Pearson^® reduced the control efficacy when combined with tested synthetic insecticides and increased the percentage of plants with damage ratings ≥ 3. Therefore, where the timing of application is missed or neglected, using sulfur-based dislodging products like Kumulus DF^® may be an effective alternative to help mitigate the impact of S. frugiperda in cornfields.