Evaluation of the Effect of Different Concentrations of Spirotetramat on the Diaspine Scale <i>Parlatoria ziziphi</i> in Citrus Orchards

• Main Authors: Amine Assouguem, Mohammed Kara, Hamza Mechchate, Mashail N. AlZain, Omar Mohammed Noman, Hamada Imtara, Christophe Hano, Mansour N. Ibrahim, Safaâ Benmessaoud, Abdellah Farah, Abderahim Lazraq
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-09-01
• Series: Agronomy
• Subjects: <i>Parlatoria ziziphi</i>; spirotetramat; pest control; Valencia late; crop protection; concentrations
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/11/9/1840

The control of <i>Parlatoria ziziphi</i> (Lucas, 1853) was studied in citrus orchards at Mechraa Belksiri in the Gharb area of Morocco. Three concentrations of spirotetramat T0 = 0 L/Ha as a control experiment, T1 = 0.625 L/Ha, T2 = 0.755 L/Ha, and T3 = 1 L/Ha, were applied on 4 ha of Valencia late orchard (each dose for 1 ha of Valencia late). The effect of spirotetramat was evaluated on the mortalities and survival rates of <i>P. ziziphin</i> during the stages of larvae (first instar and second instar) and females (F1, F2, and F3). Results showed that the spirotetramat was effective on larvae and females of <i>P. ziziphi</i>. Among the 11,229 females recorded, 93% were inhibited, while only 7% were intact after the treatment period. Finally, our study highlights that all concentrations tested were effective on the <i>P. ziziphi</i> population; besides, all three concentrations of this product tested were equally effective on larvae and females of <i>P. ziziphi</i>. Thus, during the spread period, spraying a low concentration of this product (0.625 L/Ha) will better control this pest and reduce the environmental impact.