Evaluation of insecticides against lesser date moth (Batrachedra amydraula Meyrick)

Abstract: The date palm, Phoenix dactylifera, is affected by a number of pests, including hummeira (lesser date moth), Batrachedra amydraula Meyrick. Chemical control is one of the methods used to control the pest. In this study, six insecticides were evaluated for their efficiency on the reduction in number of infested dates by LDM larvae in infested date palm plantations. This study was carried out in Wilayat Barka of the Sultanate of Oman during April 2014. Insecticides used and their rates of application were as follows: Coragen 20 % SC (chlorantraniliprole)) at 0.15 ml/l, Decis 25 EC (deltamethrin)) at 1.0 ml/l, Farmalan 15 SC (teflubenzuron)) at 0.5 ml/l, Flavonin at 0.2 ml/l, Milbeknock 1 % EC (milbemectin) at 0.75 ml/l and Radiant SC (spinetoram) at 0.6 ml/l. It was concluded from the study that the Coragen 0.15 ml/l gave the best results in comparison with the other tested insecticides.