The use of selective pesticides to natural enemies is important for the success of integrated pest management programs. The objective of this study was to investigate lethal and sublethal effects of some insecticides, used to control pests in rose crops, on eggs and fifth instar-nymphs of Orius insidiosus (Say) under laboratory conditions. Commercial formulations of the following insecticides were diluted in distilled water (concentration in g a.i./100 ml): endosulfan (0.021), formetanate (0.04), spinosad (0.0144) and deltamethrin (0.0008). Distilled water was used as control. The tests were carried out in climatic chamber at 25±2ºC, RH of 70±10% and 12 h-photophase. The eggs of the predator laid on Bidens pilosa L. stems were treated by dipping the stems containing eggs into insecticide solutions for five seconds. Fifth instar-nymphs were treated with the insecticides using a Potter spray tower. The total effect of the insecticides was estimated and they were classified according to the toxicity categories proposed by the IOBC. Deltamethrin was harmful and, endosulfan, formetanate and spinosad were slightly harmful to eggs and fifth instar-nymphs of O. insidiosus. Endosulfan and formetanate did not affect negatively the reproductive characteristics of the females originated from treated eggs. Endosulfan and spinosad reduced the number off eggs laid by the females originated from the treated fifth instar-nymphs, and spinosad affected negatively the viability of these eggs.
selectivity; integrated pest management; biological control
