OPTIONS FOR REDUCING THE NUMBER OF CHORUS CICADA, AMPHIPSALTA ZELANDICA (BOISDUVAL), IN KIWIFRUIT ORCHARDS

摘要

Chorus cicadas are regarded as a potential constraint to the productivity of kiwifruit orchards in New Zealand. However, limited research has been conducted on their management. In this study, the efficacy of insecticides and cultural methods to reduce numbers of cicadas in kiwifruit was determined. Chlorpyrifos and thiamethoxam applied to egg-nests did not reduce cicada hatch. Soil application of thiamethoxam and pymetrozine at 800 g ai/ha did not reduce numbers of cicada nymphs in soil or emergingfrom soil to moult to adults. Hoeing to a depth of 10 cm and application of a groundcover effectively reduced numbers of emerged cicada nymphs by 40-50%. Failure of insecticide treatments may be related to dry soil conditions and further trials of insecticides may be warranted. Biological and cultural options such as the development of a biopesticide should also be considered as a more sustainable option to insecticides.