The efficacy of flufenoxuron, azadirachtin and a diatomaceous earth, when admixed with oilseed rape, against storage mite pests

The efficacy of three compounds that might prove suitable alternatives to organophosphorus (OP) compounds were assessed, when admixed with oilseed rape, against mixed stages of OP-susceptible strains of Acarus siro L., Lepidoglyphus destructor (Shrank) and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Shrank) at 15 degrees C and 80% relative humidity. Flufenoxuron was applied at 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg; azadirachtin at 20, 40, 60 and 80 mg/kg; and Protect-It(TM) at 0.5, 1, 3 and 5 g/kg. Population inhibition was evaluated after periods long enough to include the passing of at least one generation. Protect-It appeared the most effective treatment against all the mite species, with a dose of 3 g/kg inhibiting the populations by >96%. Flufenoxuron was highly effective at all doses against L. destructor, with >90% inhibition achieved. Azadirachtin appeared the least effective against all the species at the doses assessed, with maximum inhibitions of 66-80% recorded at the top dose.