Impact of Novaluron and Chlorantraniliprole on the Aphidophagous Guild of the Green Apple Aphid in an Apple Orchard

Novaluron and chlorantraniliprole are two reduced-risk insecticides recommended in integrated pest management against the codling moth Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), the primary pest in apple orchards. The lethal or sublethal effects of insecticides on non-target organisms can disrupt important processes like the biological control of other pests. Several studies have shown that the use of pesticides can negatively impact the abundance or diversity of natural enemies which results in secondary pest outbreaks. This study is a two-years field experiment conducted in an apple orchard to determine the impact of novaluron and chlorantraniliprole on the aphidophagous guild and the repercussions on the biological control on the most common secondary pest in apple orchards, green aphids Aphis spp (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Results indicate that the use of chlorantraniliprole did not impact the abundance or diversity of the aphidophagous guild. While most aphidophagous species were not impacted by novaluron, a significant decrease of one of the more abundant predators, the predatory mirid bugs Pilophorus perplexus Douglas and Scott (Hemiptera: Miridae) was observed after its use. The biological control of green aphids was not impacted by either insecticide.