Effects of direct or indirect treatment with insecticides on adult tea leafroller, Caloptilia theivora (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), and its progeny

We investigated the effects of the direct and indirect application of insecticides on adults and progenies of the tea leafroller, Caloptilia theivora (Walsingham) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), a serious pest of tea plants (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze). Chlorantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole, and spinetoram showed low median lethal dose-(LD50) values with topical application, indicating a strong adult killing effect when in contact with the insecticides. The latter two insecticides reduced the number of eggs laid even at low concentrations, but did not affect the survival of adults. Chlorantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole, flubendiamide, spinetoram, spinosad, abamectin, emamectin benzoate, Saburina (R) FL, and decanoyloctanoylglycerol adhering to the tea leaves and rearing containers inhibited the mating of virgin adults and suppressed oviposition by mated females. Therefore, the abovementioned insecticides were determined to be effective in controlling the tea leafroller.