Use of soil insecticides to control the Brazilian ground pearl (Hemiptera: Margarodidae) in vineyards.

Abstract: The Brazilian ground pearl (BGP), Eurhizococcus brasiliensis (Hemiptera: Margarodidae), is one of the most important grape pests in Brazil. Granular and water dispersible granule formulations, doses of application, times of treatment, and application technology of the soil insecticides imidacloprid and thiamethoxam were evaluated to control BGP in infested vineyards. Thiamethoxam and imidacloprid effectively reduced BGP by 90% in established vineyards. No difference in insect control was observed between the formulations of thiamethoxam. Multiple applications of thia-methoxam in November and January were more effective than a single treatment delivered in November. Doses higher than 0.2 g a.i./plant of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam reduced BGP infestations in 3-year-old vineyards. The granular formulation of thiamethoxam was more effective when applied around the root system than when delivered in six points around the trunk using a hand-operated granular spreader. Drench application of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam using a hand-operated hydraulic sprayer was effective for insecticide treatment, allowing regulation of the amounts of water and active ingredients applied per plant