Control Efficiency and Mechanism of Spinetoram Seed-Pelleting Against the Striped Flea Beetle Phyllotreta Striolata

Abstract The striped flea beetle (SFB, Phyllotreta striolata) is an important pest of the cruciferous crops in Asia. SFB is regarded as the most destructive pest of cruciferous crops in China due to the severe crop loss and frequent infestation incidents. As no SFB resistant cultivar is available at present, therefore, application of insecticides is the primary method of SFB control. On the contrary, the exploitation of chemical insecticides causes severe environmental issues and is not cost-effective. The use of a seed-pelletized coating of spinetoram effectively reduced SFB feedings on the flowering cabbage seedlings, whereas in combination with the insect-proof net, it controlled the SFB infestation throughout the cabbage growth period. The analysis of the pesticide residues in soil and different cabbage parts indicated the degradation dynamics of spinetoram. Furthermore, estimation of the half-life of spinetoram revealed that via seed-palletized application spinetoram half-life was found to be 2.82 days in soil, 4.21 days in the root, 5.77 days in the stem, and 3.57 days in the leaf, respectively. Both the lower pesticide residues and the half-life of spinetoram in soil and cabbage parts suggested it to be a promising environment and food-safe pesticide in controlling SFB. Moreover, the seed-pelletized coating ensured a sustainable release of spinetoram that can reduce the pesticide application frequency and be cost-effective and pocket-friendly for the farmers.