Efficacy of methoprene applied at different temperatures and rates on surface substrates to control eggs and fifth instars of Plodia interpunctella.

A series of studies was conducted to determine the effects of temperature on toxicity of the insect growth regulator methoprene to eggs and larvae of Plodia interpunctella (Hübner), the Indianmeal moth. When methoprene was applied to Kraft paper at the rate of 0.0003 mg of active ingredient [(AI)]/cm2, there was little direct toxicity against eggs of P. interpunctella, and temperature did not affect insecticide efficacy. Similarly, exposure of eggs on a paperboard surface treated with different rates of methoprene resulted in delayed adult emergence but not a reduction in adult emergence. However, wandering-phase larvae ofP. interpuctella were susceptible to methoprene, and exposure of larvae for 0.5, 1, and 2 h on different packaging materials resulted in reduced adult emergence. There was variation in emergence depending on the specific surface, but temperature had no effect on resulting adult emergence from exposed larvae. A partial budget analysis described treatment costs and reduction of risks associated with control of eggs and larvae of P. interpunctella. Results indicate methoprene could be used in management programs to control larvae of P. interpunctella, but eggs may be able to compensate for exposure to methoprene residues on treated surfaces.