Evaluation of new-generation insecticides for control of the coffee root mealybugs, Puto barberi (Hemiptera: Putoidae) and Dysmicoccus sp. (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

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In Colombia, mealybugs have become important common pests in coffee farming. The predominant species are Puto barberi (Hemiptera: Putoidae) and Dysmicoccus sp. (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). The objective of this research was to evaluate insecticides used to control these pests, which are not restricted for use in Colombia or coffee-buying countries. In the laboratory, 18 different formulations of insecticides, originating from mineral, biological, botanical, and chemical sources, were evaluated on both nymphs and adults of P. barberi. After 10 days of treatment, it was found that dinotefuran, pyriproxyfen + acetamiprid, cyantraniliprole, and a mixture of plant extracts from Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf (Poales: Poaceae), Ammothamnus sp., and Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre (Fabales: Fabaceae) was effective in causing a mortality rate greater than 80 %. These products, along with spirotetramat, calcium hydroxide, and tiamentoxam (commercial control - CC), were then evaluated in a batch of naturally infested coffee plants by P. barberi and in coffee seedlings in a greenhouse that were artificially infested with Dysmicoccus sp. The study utilized a completely randomized design. The response variable was the number of live individuals per infested plant (LIPIP). On day 14 of treatment, only dinotefuran and the mixture of plant extracts showed statistically similar results to the CC, presenting 6.56 - 6.94 and 6.17 LIPIP for P. barberi. On days 30 and 60, Dysmicoccus sp. had 1.38 and 1.50 LIPIP with dinotefuran, statistically equal to 1.08 and 1.36 LIPIP of the CC; at 30 days, the mixture of plant extracts followed dinotefuran with 3.14 LIPIP. The effectiveness of these insecticides ranged from 73 % to 98 %; they are recommended for controlling coffee root mealybugs. 

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Arcila-Moreno A, Gil-Palacio ZN, Giraldo-Jaramillo M, Medina R, Benavides-Machado P. Evaluation of new-generation insecticides for control of the coffee root mealybugs, Puto barberi (Hemiptera: Putoidae) and Dysmicoccus sp. (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Rev. Colomb. Entomol. [Internet]. 2025 Dec. 22 [cited 2025 Dec. 23];51(2). Available from: https://revistacolombianaentomologia.univalle.edu.co/index.php/SOCOLEN/article/view/14251

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