Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Research
Open Access

Abstract

Laboratory Toxicity Profile of an Organic Formulation of Spinosad against the Eggplant Flea Beetle, Epitrix Fuscula Crotch

Paul McLeod and Tahir Rashid

The eggplant flea beetle, Epitrix fuscula Crotch, is a major insect pest of eggplant, Solanum melongena L. var. esculentum (Solanaceae), produced in the south central United States and often requires management with insecticides immediately following setting of transplants into the field. Few insecticides approved for use in organic production have provided effective management of the beetles. The study reported herein demonstrates the effectiveness of Entrust, a new organic approved formulation of spinosad. Following exposure on eggplant foliage, Entrust was shown to be toxic to adult flea beetles with LC50 and LC95 values of 42.9 and 296.7 ppm, respectively. Although mortality following exposure was sometimes delayed until six days, the effects on flea beetle behavior were observed in as little as six hours following exposure. Feeding was significantly reduced one day after exposure to both the highest recommended field rate and to a 25% concentration of the high rate. Persistence in the field was short. No significant differences in mortality were detected for beetles transferred to treated and water-treated eggplant foliage taken three days after application. Of the insecticides approved for use in organic production, Entrust likely offers an excellent choice for management of eggplant flea beetles on eggplant.