Biological coatings for control of selected Lepidopteran pests

Chemical control is the primary tool in the management of Lepidopteran pests, but insect resistance to these controls is very common, and there is a perpetual need for new modes of action.  Laboratory and field bioassays on diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), codling moth (Cydia pomonella), and cabbage looper (Tricloplusia ni) were conducted to determine the contact and residual efficacy of an insecticidal coating.  This product, CropCoat®, does not affect the pests directly, but interferes with contact between the pest and the plant, effectively camouflaging the plant surface.

Direct application against diamondback moth caused more than 48 percent eggs mortality and more than 87 percent mortality of early and late instars. Fresh residues (24 hours) caused more than 91 percent mortality of neonates and more than 23 percent mortality of late instars. Overall percent leaf area damaged was significantly less in larvae feed on CropCoat-treated leaves.

Direct application of CropCoat against codling moth eggs caused more than 80 percent eggs mortality. CropCoat was as effective as to Assail® in significantly reducing codling moth entry holes into fruit. By 21 d after application, no significant differences in efficacy were observed relative to the untreated control for any of the insecticides.  The data does show fruit skin penetrations were significantly reduced by CC out to 21DAA, and Assail did show significant reduction in this type of damage to 10DAA.