A Preliminary Investigation into Chemical Efficacy Against the Currant-Lettuce Aphid Nasonovia ribisnigri

A preliminary laboratory study was undertaken to investigate the impact of two commonly used chemical pesticides (pirimicarb and pymetrozine) on the currant-lettuce aphid Nasonovia ribisnigri. Both chemicals had high efficacy against adult and nymph stages of the aphid. Following direct exposure to pirimicarb 98% mortality of aphid nymphs and 90% mortality of winged adults was observed after 24 h. The systemic pesticide pymetrozine caused 93% mortality of aphid nymphs after 72 h. The potential for development of integrated pest management strategies incorporating chemical pesticides for the control of N. ribisnigri is discussed.