Control efficacy of insecticides against Singapora shinshana (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) and labor-saving application techniques in Japanese apricot orchards

Abstract

A newly invaded leafhopper, Singapora shinshana (Matsumura), gives a damage to leaves of Japanese apricot through sap-sucking, often causing early defoliation. We evaluated the control efficacy of nine insecticides by manual spraying using a power sprayer in the orchards. Cypermethrin, fenpropathrin, fluvalinate, acetamiprid and dinotefuran, were effective at 3, 7, and 14 days after treatment . We also conducted a study for labor-saving pesticide application using sprinklers or a multirotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) because Japanese apricots are produced in sloped terraced orchards in Wakayama Prefecture. In case of applying acetamiprid, sprinklers or UAV achieved equivalent control effect to a conventional spraying.