The tolerance of the lucerne flea, Sminthurus viridis (Collembola: Sminthuridae), to currently registered pesticides in Australia

Abstract

Sminthurus viridis (lucerne flea) is a major crop and pasture pest throughout southern regions of Australia that experience a Mediterranean type climate. It is particularly problematic at the establishment phase, and chemicals are currently the main option available to farmers for their control. Few studies have assessed the currently registered pesticides for the control of S. viridis, and rates of application are generally similar to the frequently co-occurring red-legged earth mite, Halotydeus destructor, despite few comparisons between species for their susceptibility being made. Here, we examine the response of S. viridis to six pesticides (α-cypermethrin, bifenthrin, omethoate, methida..