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In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the Federal Public Service (FPS) Health, Food chain Safety and Environment submitted a request on behalf of Belgium (evaluating Member State, EMS) to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance methoxyfenozide in aubergines/eggplants. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive an MRL proposal for aubergines/eggplants. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of methoxyfenozide in the commodity under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, the EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the indoor use of methoxyfenozide according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Litchi and longan pests significantly affect crop yield and quality. Chemical prevention and control are very effective for production; therefore, it is crucial to study fate assessment and appropriate field efficacy before pesticide application on crops to appropriately assess the health and ecological risks linked with these agents. This study conducted Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) field trials and laboratory experiments to elucidate the dissipation, terminal residues, and efficacy of methoxyfenozide on litchi and longan in six locations throughout China. To detect methoxyfenozide residues on litchi and longan, a QuEChERS/UPLC-MS/MS-based method was designed. The initial methoxyfenozide levels in litchi and longan ranged from 2.21–2.86 to 0.83–0.95 mg kg−1 and indicated half-lives of 5.1–5.3 and 5.3–5.7 days, respectively. After 7 days of foliage treatment, the concentrations of terminal methoxyfenozide residue were 0.78–2.61 and 0.02–1.01 mg kg−1, which were less than the established maximum residue limit for methoxyfenozide in litchi and longan. The chronic (acceptable daily intake = 0.0055–0.0331%) dietary intake risk analysis for methoxyfenozide in longan and litchi indicated acceptable concentrations of terminal residue for the general population. Methoxyfenozide in litchi and longan was readily degraded in first-order kinetics models, the degradation rate on longan was higher than that on litchi, and their dietary risks were negligible to consumers. Two hundred forty grams per liter of methoxyfenozide suspension concentrate (SC) represents a highly efficacious insecticidal dose to control litchi and longan pests and indicates a significant application potential as it is rapidly degraded and linked with reduced post-treatment residue levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed and conducted to evaluate the influence of methoxyfenozide on the reproductive potential of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th instars larvae, as a safe and suitable alternative for the conventional organic insecticide. Results showed that the highest concentration i.e. 15 ppm of methoxyfenozide caused maximum reduction in fecundity i.e. 118.43 ± 6.08 eggs laid/ female and hatchability i.e. 31.52 ± 1.18% when both males and females were crossed emerged from treated culture in case of 1st instar exposed larvae. Such pairs showed maximum sterility also when emerged from 15 ppm concentration of food in 1st instar exposure. Fecundity, fertility and sterility comparatively decreased in 2nd, 3rd and 4thinstar larvae due to their comparatively poor exposure duration. Such knowledge may offcourse be beneficial for the effective control of rice-moth in particular and lepidopterous pest in general in eco-friendly way.

Division of labor within a honey bee colony creates a codependence between bees performing different tasks. The most obvious example of this is between the reproductive queen and worker bees. Queen bees lay 1,000 or more eggs a day, while young worker bees tend and feed queens. Young workers and queens can be exposed to pesticides when foragers return to the hive with contaminated resources. Previous research has found negative effects of larval exposure to insect-growth disruptors (IGD) methoxyfenozide and pyriproxyfen, on adult responsiveness to artificial queen pheromone. The present work investigates potential physiological and molecular mechanisms underpinning this behavioral change by examining the development of hypopharyngeal glands and ovaries as well as the expression of genes related to reproduction and worker endocrine signaling in the brain and hypopharyngeal gland tissues. Though hypopharyngeal gland and ovary development were not altered by developmental exposure to IGDs, gene expression differed. Specifically, in the brain tissue, ilp1 was downregulated in bees exposed to pyriproxyfen during development, and Kr-h1 was downregulated in both methoxyfenozide- and pyriproxyfen-exposed bees. In the hypopharyngeal glands, Kr-h1 , EcR-A , EcR-B , and E75 were upregulated in honey bees exposed to methoxyfenozide compared to those in the pyriproxyfen or control treatments. Here we discuss these results and their potential implications for the health and performance of honey bee colonies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound as a green and efficient process gains special attention in wastewater treatment. The ultrasound-assisted degradation of azoxystrobin, methoxyfenozide, and propyzamide as widely used pesticides for vine treatment was investigated. A wide range of ultrasonic power (40 to 140 W) and a single frequency (20 kHz) were applied. Degradation experiments were carried out according to the parameters set by a central composite design (CCD) under response surface methodology (RSM) via JMP software. The treatment efficiency was quantified using degradation rates and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) measurements. Results indicated that the pesticide's degradation was negligible at 40 W but by increasing the power setting from 80 to 140 W, the degradation rate constants of azoxystrobin, methoxyfenozide, and propyzamide increased from 3.6 × 10−2 min−1 to 0.2 min−1, from 6.1 × 10−2 min−1 to 0.3 min−1, and from 3.1 × 10−2 min−1 to 0.1 min−1, respectively. The hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) measurements confirmed this trend. Besides, electric energy per order of pollutant removal (EE/O) was also evaluated for the same treatment duration and results revealed that treatment conditions of 20 kHz and 140 W were the less energy-guzzling. Finally, profiles obtained with RSM illustrated linear degradation kinetics for azoxystrobin and propyzamide. Indeed, treatment efficiency increased when increasing both studied parameters. However, both linear and quadratic degradation kinetics occurred for methoxyfenozide degradation indicating a parameter threshold beyond which the trend is reversed. Overall, this study confirms the effectiveness of ultrasound for the degradation of pesticides in aqueous medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensitive, economical, and miniaturized self-assembly needle tip nanocomposite Polyaniline-K10 solid-phase microextraction (NDT/PAN-K10-SPNE) coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography UV detection was developed for rapid extraction removal and determination of methoxyfenozide in environmental water samples. The NDT/PAN-K10-SPE cartridge, assembled by packing 2.0 mg of PAN-K10 as sorbent into a needle tip, showed high adsorption capacity for methoxyfenozide owing to the large surface area and unique structure of PAN-K10. The factors that affected the extraction efficiency of PT-G-SPE, including sample volume, pH, sorbent amount, washing solvent and eluent solvent, were optimized. Good linearity for methoxyfenozide was obtained in a range of 0/01–100 µg mL−1 with the correlation coefficient of (R2) = 0.999. The recoveries of the methoxyfenozide at three spiked levels ranged from 84.72% to 100.03% with the relative standard deviations (RSD) of 3.78%. It is also noteworthy that the applied method is economical and has a good linear range, reproducibility, and high sensitivity.

Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), management requires the implementation of effective and sustainable control strategies. In this study, we aimed to compare the insecticidal activity and field performance of four commonly used insect growth regulators (IGRs) against S. littoralis larvae for helping in decision making to get the most effective and sustainable pest management for S. littoralis under local condition. The tested IGRs included Benzoylphenyl ureas BPUs (Lufenuron, Chlorfluazuron, Diflubenzuron), and an ecdysone receptor agonist (Methoxyfenozide). Laboratory bioassays were conducted to determine the toxicity of these IGRs against 2nd and 4th instar of S. littoralis larvae. Lufenuron exhibited the highest toxicity, with the lowest LC50 values (0106 & 0.069 and 0.889 &0.453 mg\l) at 72 and 96h of exposure, respectively. Chlorfluazuron, Diflubenzuron, and Methoxyfenozide displayed relatively lower toxicity compared to lufenuron, as their toxicity indexes were (2.59, 1.99 and 4.50) refereeing to the lowest LC50 value of Lufenuron against the 2nd instar after 72h of exposure. Moreover, positive significant correlations were observed between the log LC50 values of each IGR and other tested ones (pairwise comparison) which alert the possibility of cross resistance between these IGRs. Field experiments were performed over two cotton seasons to assess the efficacy of the IGRs in reducing S. littoralis larval populations. All treatments resulted in a significant reduction in larvae compared to the control group. Lufenuron consistently demonstrated the highest initial efficacy (73.5 and 75.2%) and mean reduction (83.9 and 81.5%) after 15 days of treatment in both 2020 and 2021 seasons, respectively. In contrary, the lowest efficacy was recorded for Diflubenzuton with mean reduction (68.2 and 71.2) after 15 days of treatment in 2020 and 2021 cotton seasons, respectively. This finding highlights the importance of selecting IGRs with higher toxicity to achieve effective larval control. The work underscores the potential of lufenuron as a highly effective IGR for managing S. littoralis. Furthermore, our research emphasis the crucial of the continuous evaluation of IGRs efficacy and persistence as well as resistance and cross resistance to IGRs under local field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of a multi‐functional adjuvant on the field efficacy of two insecticides, methoxyfenozide (SC24%) and spinosad (SC24%), against Lobesia botrana in Iran. The efficacy was evaluated from the experimental plots at 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after treatment. Our results indicated that the adjuvant was able to enhance the efficacy of both methoxyfenozide and spinosad against L. botrana at each interval. The increased efficacy was due to the lower values of surface tension and to the improved contact angle parameters of the spray solutions. By adding adjuvant in the spraying liquid, it was possible to have a control efficiency very similar to the treatment using the recommended rates, even when the application rate was reduced by 20%. Our results underline the importance of adjuvants in improving the field efficacy of insecticides against L. botrana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Met@Gly@ZIF-8 was synthesized using a simple one-pot method. • Met@Gly@ZIF-8 exhibited pH responsive-release for the intelligent delivery of Met. • Met@Gly@ZIF-8 achieved excellent control efficacy on Plutella xylostella. • Met@Gly@ZIF-8 had better uptake and translocation capacity over time. • Met@Gly@ZIF-8 could promote plant growth and had excellent biosafety. The development of multifunctional pesticide-delivery system is of practical significance for realizing efficient utilization of pesticides and minimizing environmental risks. In this work, methoxyfenozide (Met)-loaded glycine-doped zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 composites (Met@Gly@ZIF-8) for intelligent-release of Met and effective pest management were facilely constructed. The physical properties of Met@Gly@ZIF-8, including ultraviolet (UV) resistance, deposition and release profiles were evaluated. Compared with Met, the residual content after UV irradiation and retention content on cabbage leaves of Met@Gly@ZIF-8 increased by 121.2% and 98.2%, respectively, and the contact angle on foliar decreased by 26.5% compared with Met suspension concentrate (SC), demonstrating better photolysis resistance, deposition and wetting ability. Release experiments indicated that Met@Gly@ZIF-8 possessed significant stimuli-responsive release characteristics which were negatively correlated with pH, due to the acidic degradation of ZIF-8. The biological activity experiments showed that Met@Gly@ZIF-8 possessed elevated control efficacy on Plutella xylostella compared with Met and reduced the LC 50 value by 53.2%. The application performance experiments indicated that the penetration amount of Met@Gly@ZIF-8 in cabbage leaves increased by 194.7% and the translocation factor (TF leaf) increased by 63.3%, respectively, as compared with those of Met. Compared with the blank control, Gly@ZIF-8 and Met@Gly@ZIF-8 increased the total biomass of cabbage by 37.8% and 25.7%, respectively, exhibiting nutritional functions for plants. Toxicity test showed that Met@Gly@ZIF-8 was relatively safe for zebrafish compared with Met. The present approach could be strategically promising for constructing functional and environmentally friendly smart-nanopesticide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoscale delivery systems have the potential to improve the effectiveness of agrochemicals while reducing their negative environmental impacts. Herein, we explore the use of lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) to enhance the translocation of methoxyfenozide (MFZ), a non-systemic pesticide, in soybean plants under hydroponic conditions. LNPs (113.8 ± 3.5 nm and zeta potential – 53.3 ± 6.9 mV) were synthesized by emulsion evaporation from lignin-graft-poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid and MFZ was incorporated into the LNPs (2.7% w/w). Twenty eight day old soybeans were grown hydroponically and were treated with 0.01, 0.1 or 1 mg/ml of LNPs. Plants were harvested after 6, 12, and 24 h of continuous hydroponic exposure to the roots and the concentration of MFZ was quantified in root, stem, and leaf tissues. The results suggest effective and time dependent transfer of MFZ from the hydroponic suspension to the roots, and translocation from the roots to the leaves. MFZ concentrations in the 1 mg/ml treated-plants at 24 h were 519.30, 3.72 and 1.72 μg/g in the roots, stem, and leaves, at 24 h, respectively, as compared to only 28.52, 0.58, 0.39 μg/g in the plants under neat MFZ exposure. The translocation efficiency (TE) of nanodelivered MFZ ranged from 0.06 to 0.08 at 0.01 mg/ml TE, 0.01–0.05 at 0.1 mg/ml, and 0.01–0.006 at 1 mg/ml over 24 h. Even though TE was higher for free MFZ, the concentration and total amount of analyte translocated to the shoots by LNPs were higher than those of free MFZ. In conclusion, LNPs were able to significantly enhance the translocation of non-systemic MFZ from the roots to the soybean aerial tissues in 24 h. This work provides a new platform to enhance the accuracy and precision of pesticide delivery and will be a valuable tool in sustainable nano-enabled agriculture.

This work aimed to study the effect of a bacterial bioagent Spinosad, an insect growth regulator Methoxyfenozide and Extrem their mixture (Spinetoram & Methoxyfenozide) were evaluated on 4th instar larvae of Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) under laboratory conditions. The results indicated that LC50 values of three tested compound treatments on 4th instar larvae were determined as 7.28, 0.071 and 0.113 ppm, in Spinosad, Methoxyfenozide and extrem respectively. LC50 of all treatments resulted in a prolongation of the larval duration and pupation rates were significantly decreased. The pupal weight recorded insignificant results for all treatments. Both Spinosad and Methoxyfenozide treatments insignificant differences in pupal duration, while significant differences were recorded when larvae were treated with LC50 of Extreme. The biochemical studies in 6 days after treatment of fourth instar larvae showed a significant decrease in the activity of α-esterase enzymes, while -esterase activity was significantly increased, acetylcholineterase enzyme showed a highly significant decrease in the treated with Spinosad, Methoxyfenozide, while it insignificant decrease when treated with Extreme. All treatments showed a non-significant difference in total protein contents of the whole-body homogenate of treated larvae. Results of SDS-PAGE analysis revealed that the protein profiles of S. littoralis changed after larval treatment with Spinosad, Methoxyfenozide and Extreme new proteins were observed in treated larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methoxyfenozide and metaflumizone are insecticides used on Chinese broccoli to prevent insects and increase yield. However, the residues are potentially harmful to the environment and consumers. In this study, the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, safe method with high‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was modified and validated for determination of methoxyfenozide and metaflumizone in Chinese broccoli. The clean‐up efficiency of different sorbents including C18, primary secondary amine, graphitized carbon black, and carbon nanofiber was compared. Recoveries of the validated method were 71.8–94.6% with relative standard deviations of 1.5–3.2% and the limits of quantification were 0.01 and 0.005 mg/kg for methoxyfenozide and metaflumizone, respectively. A storage stability test showed almost no degradation of methoxyfenozide in Chinese broccoli, however, the degradation rate of metaflumizone was 22.9% after 10‐wk storage at –20°C. In field trials in four producing regions, the dissipation of both methoxyfenozide and metaflumizone in Chinese broccoli was fast, with half‐lives of only 1.0–5.1 and 0.7–2.5 days, respectively. Terminal residues after application of the two pesticides were all below 1.0 mg/kg after 5 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey bees are valued pollinators of agricultural crops, and heavy losses reported by beekeepers have spurred efforts to identify causes. As social insects, threats to honey bees should be assessed by evaluating the effects of stress on the long-term health and productivity of the entire colony. Insect growth disruptors are a class of pesticides encountered by honey bees that target pathways involved in insect development, reproduction, and behavior, and they have been shown to affect critical aspects of all three in honey bees. Therefore, it is imperative that their risks to honey bees be thoroughly evaluated. This review describes the effects of insect growth disruptors on honey bees at the individual and colony levels, highlighting hazards associated with different chemistries, and addresses their potential impacts on the longevity of colonies. Finally, recommendations for the direction of future research to identify strategies to mitigate effects are prescribed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In holometabolous insects, the major developmental transitions – larval molting and pupation – are triggered by a pulse of 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) and coordinated by juvenile hormone. Methoxyfenozide (MF), an ecdysteroid agonist, represents a new class of insect growth regulators and is effective against lepidopteran pests. Fushi‐tarazu factor 1 (FTZ‐F1) is an ecdysone‐inducible transcription factor. To date, the effect of MF on 20E‐response genes remains unclear, and we speculate the involvement of FTZ‐F1 in MF's growth regulating effect. RESULTS: MF at LC25 and LC10 caused severe ecdysis failure in Helicoverpa armigera, extended their larval duration, lowered their pupal weight, and reduced the respiratory, pupation and emergence rates. Furthermore, sublethal doses of MF inhibited ecdysteroidogenesis and lowered the intrinsic 20E titer, but showed an inductive effect on 20E‐response genes including HaFTZ‐F1. HaFTZ‐F1, predominantly expressed in larval epidermis, was markedly upregulated before or right after larval ecdysis, and maintained a high level in prepupal stage. Knockdown of HaFTZ‐F1 in 4th‐instar larvae severely impaired larval ecdysis, whereas its knockdown in final‐instar larvae caused abnormal pupation. Moreover, knocking down HaFTZ‐F1 downregulated three critical ecdysteroidogenesis genes, lowered 20E titer, and suppressed the expression of 20E receptors and 20E‐response genes. The introduction of 20E into HaFTZ‐F1‐RNAi larvae partly relieved the negative effects on the 20E‐induced signaling cascade. CONCLUSION: Our findings reveal the adverse effects of sublethal doses of MF on the development of H. armigera and elucidate the resulting perturbations on the 20E‐induced signaling cascade; we propose that HaFTZ‐F1 regulates ecdysis and pupation by mediating 20E titer and its signaling pathway. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In compliance with Article 43 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the EFSA received from the European Commission a mandate to provide its reasoned opinion on the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for methoxyfenozide which might lead to consumers intake concerns on the basis of the new toxicological reference values agreed upon by Member States (MSs) on 13 December 2018. In order to identify the MRLs of potential concern that require a more detailed assessment, EFSA screened the existing MRLs for methoxyfenozide, considering the new toxicological reference values and an acute risk could not be excluded for eight commodities. A fall‐back MRL was proposed for tomatoes and the MRL for citrus fruit could be confirmed considering the use of a peeling factor. No other fall‐back good agricultural practices (GAPs) were received, and thus, a lowering of the MRLs for peaches, apples, pears and broccoli is proposed.

In compliance with Article 43 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the EFSA received from the European Commission a mandate to provide its reasoned opinion on the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for methoxyfenozide which might lead to consumers intake concerns on the basis of the new toxicological reference values agreed upon by Member States (MSs) on 13 December 2018. In order to identify the MRLs of potential concern that require a more detailed assessment, EFSA screened the existing MRLs for methoxyfenozide, considering the new toxicological reference values and an acute risk could not be excluded for eight commodities. A fall‐back MRL was proposed for tomatoes and the MRL for citrus fruit could be confirmed considering the use of a peeling factor. No other fall‐back good agricultural practices (GAPs) were received, and thus, a lowering of the MRLs for peaches, apples, pears and broccoli is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Methoxyfenozide possesses efficacy against a variety of lepidopteron pests, including the major pests in cauliflower and tea, so it is of great importance to generalize the practical use of methoxyfenozide in the field. RESULTS: An efficient method was developed and validated in both vegetable matrix and extract‐rich matrix (cauliflower and tea) using modified QuEChERS combined with UPLC/MS/MS analysis. The recoveries in cauliflower, made tea and tea shoots ranged from 94.5 to 108.0%, from 85.0 to 91.6% and from 77.3 to 82.0% respectively, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 17.3% in all cases. The field results showed that methoxyfenozide dissipated in cauliflower with half‐life (t1/2) at 2.5–3.5 days and in tea with t1/2 at 1.2 days. Combining the above experimental data and statistical food intake values, the risk quotient (RQ) values were significantly lower than 1. CONCLUSION: The quantification method of methoxyfenozide in cauliflower or tea has not been established until this study. The dissipation and dietary exposure risk assessment of methoxyfenozide in cauliflower and tea were investigated in the field. Methoxyfenozide dissipated rapidly in cauliflower despite different climates, and it dissipated faster in tea. The dietary risk of methoxyfenozide through cauliflower or tea was negligible to humans. This study not only provides guidance for the safe use of methoxyfenozide but also serves as a reference for the establishment of maximum residue limits (MRLs) in China. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was carried out to evaluate insecticides and fungicides, alone and in combination against yellow stem borer [Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker)] and leaf folder [Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenee)] in rice during Kharif 2017 and 2018 at Rice Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Nawagam, Kheda (Gujarat). All the nine treatments were found significantly superior over control in reducing the infestation of yellow stem borer and leaf folder and also increasing the grain yield comparison. The combination of spinetoram 6% + methoxyfenozide 30% SC at 7.5 ml/10 liter of water was found most effective by recorded 8.89 per cent dead hearts followed by spinetoram 6% + methoxyfenozide 30% + hexaconazole 5% SC at 7.5 + 20.0 ml/10 litre water (9.37%). The pre harvest observation of yellow stem borer infestation showed that the minimum per cent white ear (15.69%) were recorded in combination of spinetoram 6% + methoxyfenozide 30% + tricyclazole 75% WP at 7.5 + 6.0 g/10 litre water followed by spinetoram 6% + methoxyfenozide 30% SC at 7.5 ml per 10 litre water (16.18%) and spinetoram 6% + methoxyfenozide 30% + hexaconazole 5% SC at 7.5 + 20.0 ml per 10 litre water (16.74%). The application of spinetoram 6% + methoxyfenozide 30% SC at 7.5 ml/10 litre water was found most effective in reducing the damaged leaves (10.57%) followed by spinetoram 6% + methoxyfenozide 30% + hexaconazole 5% SC at 7.5 + 20.0 ml/10 litre water (11.17%). The highest grain yield (37.63 q/ha) was observed in spinetoram 6% + methoxyfenozide 30% + hexaconazole 5% SC at 7.5 + 20.0 ml per 10 litre water treated plot followed by spinetoram 6% + methoxyfenozide 30% + tricyclazole 75% WP at 7.5 + 6.0 g/10 litre water (37.38 q/ha) and spinetoram 6% + methoxyfenozide 30% at 7.5 ml per 10 litre water (36.16 q/ha). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The joint action and sublethal effects of methoxyfenozide and lufenuron were measured against Spodoptera exigua. Methoxyfenozide and lufenuron exhibited optimum synergistic toxicity on S. exigua at a mass ratio of 4:6, and the co-toxicity coefficient (CTC) was 165.705. Third instars larvae of S. exigua were treated with methoxyfenozide (LC 15 = 21.004 ng/cm2), lufenuron (LC 15 = 27.134 ng/cm2), or a mixture of methoxyfenozide and lufenuron (MML, LC 15 = 16.503 ng/cm2) through feeding for 72 h. Ingestion of MML by larvae significantly inhibited larval and pupal weights and pupation rate, and prolonged the larval and pupal development of S. exigua compared to individual treatment ofmethoxyfenozide or lufenuron. Both methoxyfenozide and MML treatments significantly decreased the fertility of female S. exigua. No significant changes were observed in case of adult emergence and egg hatching for different treatments. The MML-treated S. exigua exhibited significantly lower activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and cytochrome P450 (CYP450) than those in S. exigua treated separately with methoxyfenozide or lufenuron. Finally, methoxyfenozide, lufenuron, and MML treatments decreased chitinase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), carboxylesterase (CarE), and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) activities in S. exigua. Unlabelled Image • Methoxyfenozide and lufenuron exhibited synergistic toxicity on larvae of S. exigua. • The mixture of methoxyfenozide and lufenuron caused sublethal effects and affected the enzyme activities of S. exigua. • Use of a mixture of methoxyfenozide and lufenuron may be effective approach to manage S. exigua. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were carried out to study the effect of four insect growth regulators belonging to two major groups: chitin synthesis inhibitors (CSIs); lufenuron and teflubenzuron and non-steroidal ecdysteroid agonists (NEAs); methoxyfenozide and chromafenozide compared to two traditional insecticides; chlorfenapyr and profenofos against and the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) and sucking pests: Bemisia tabaci (Genn.), Empoasca spp. and Tetranychus urticae Koch. Furthermore, their impact on common predators which exists in Egyptian cotton fields during 2017 and 2018 seasons. Results revealed that lufenuron proved to be highly effective against all tested pests with special regard to S. littoralis that showed highly significant initial and residual reduction compared to other pesticides (98.18±0.69 and 97.75±0.87%) and (98.83±0.56 and 98.25±0.54) in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Generally, all the tested IGRs showed moderate to low reduction percentages for B. tabaci, Emposca spp. and T. urticae in both initial and residual effects, respectively. On the other hand, profenofos was found most toxic and significantly reduced the predator's population recorded 62.83±0.81 & 38.15±0.73% in 2017 and 60.56±1.03 & 34.88±0.53% in 2018 in the initial and residual reduction, respectively, followed descendingly by chlorfenapyr and finally the tested IGRs. Both Orius spp. and spiders were more susceptible than other predators towards all pesticides used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoxacarb is an important insecticide for the selective control of Helicoverpa armigera. It can be bioactivated to the more effective N-decarbomethoxylated indoxacarb (DCJW) by esterases in pests. It was observed that both field and laboratory selected populations of H. armigera showed negative cross-resistance between indoxacarb and methoxyfenozide. The Handan population exhibited moderate resistance to indoxacarb, but was susceptible to methoxyfenozide; the Baoding and Yishui populations exhibited moderate resistance to methoxyfenozide, but they were susceptible to indoxacarb. Moreover, the toxicity of indoxacarb was enhanced 1.83-fold in the laboratory methoxyfenozide-resistant H. armigera, and susceptibility to methoxyfenozide was increased 2.81-fold in the laboratory indoxacarb-resistant H. armigera. In vivo, DCJW concentrations in the susceptible and methoxyfenozide-selected (laboratory methoxyfenozide-resistant) populations were 4.59- and 4.31-fold greater than in the indoxacarb-resistant Handan population 1 h after dosing. After 2 h, the highest concentrations of DCJW and indoxacarb appeared in the methoxyfenozide-selected population. Meanwhile, increased carboxyl esterase (CarE) and decreased glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities were observed in the methoxyfenozide-selected population. However, the indoxacarb-selected (laboratory indoxacarb-resistant) and Handan populations showed a higher disappearance of indoxacarb and DCJW, and the activity of cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenase in these populations were significantly increased. This study showed that the improved toxicity of indoxacarb, as observed in the methoxyfenozide-selected H. armigera, was correlated with increased CarE activity, decreased GST activity, and the in vivo accumulation of indoxacarb and DCJW. The significantly increased cytochrome P450 activity and higher disappearance of indoxacarb and DCJW in indoxacarb-resistant H. armigera resulted in the decreased toxicity of indoxacarb.

Methoxyfenozide is an insect growth disruptor belonging to the class of nonsteroidal ecdysone agonists. In the present study, methoxyfenozide (23% emulsifiable concentrate) is evaluated against newly molted fourth‐instar larvae of Culex pipiens L. and Culiseta longiareolata Macquart (Diptera: Culicidae), aiming to investigate its possible effects on growth and development. Larvae are exposed for 24 h under standard laboratory conditions in accordance with World Health Organization recommendations. The product is found to exhibit insecticidal activity against the two tested mosquito species with a concentration–response relationship. Moreover, based on the lethal concentrations determined, methoxyfenozide is slightly more toxic against C. pipiens than C. longiareolata. Furthermore, fourth‐instar larva of the two mosquito species are treated using two lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90) of methoxyfenozide, and then individual survivals (larvae, pupae and adults) from larval treatment are subjected to a biometrical and biochemical study. The compound is found to interfere with growth by reducing the larval and pupal development duration. Moreover, the body volume and the main biochemical contents (proteins, carbohydrates and lipids) from different stages are affected. The overall results suggest that the ecdysone agonist under investigation interferes with the development process and has potential for mosquito control. Deferred effects of methoxyfenozide (23% emulsifiable concentrate) at two lethal concentrations are examined against surviving individuals from larval treatment of Culex pipiens and Culiseta longiareolata.The moulting process is inhibited by methoxyfenozide and larvae of C. pipiens and C. longiareolata die after exuviation difficulties.Methoxyfenozide is found to disturb growth and development. The biometrical parameters and the metabolic reserves are also affected in these two mosquito species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though pesticides can have various sublethal effects on behaviour of biocontrol agents, no study to date has investigated the effects of pesticides on the prey choice of generalist predators. Prey choice of generalist predators is among key factors determining the predation pressure they exert on pests, because it influences fitness of predators and consequently their densities and per capita capture rate. Here, we investigated the effect of Integro (a.i. methoxyfenozide) and SpinTor 480 Sc (a.i. spinosad) on prey choice and predatory activity of the spider Philodromus cespitum , which is known significantly to reduce hemipteran and dipteran pests in fruit orchards. We compared the prey preferences of philodromids between the psyllid pest Cacopsylla pyri (Hemiptera, Psyllidae) and beneficial Theridion sp. spiders in laboratory experiments. We found that both pesticides altered the prey preferences of philodromids. While the philodromids in a control treatment preferred theridiid spiders over the psyllid pest, philodromids in the pesticide treatments exhibited no significant prey preferences. The changes in prey preferences were caused by increased predation on the psyllids, while the predation on the theridiid remained similar. We suggest that the changes in prey preferences might theoretically be due to 1) impaired sensory systems, 2) altered taste, and/or 3) altered mobility. In combination with other studies finding reduced predation on fruit flies in P. cespitum after exposure to SpinTor, our results indicate that the sublethal effects of pesticides on predatory behaviour of generalist predators can depend on prey type and/or prey community composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) is an important pest of field and vegetable crops in Pakistan. Due to persistent use of insecticides, it developed high levels of resistance to organophosphates and pyrethroids in the mid 2000s and farmers then switched to new chemistries. In the present study, its resistance to new chemistries such as indoxacarb, spinosad, chlorfenapyr, methoxyfenozide and avermectins was monitored from 1998 to 2017 using a leaf-dip bioassay. There was generally a very low to low resistance to these insecticides during the first 11 years of their introduction (1998-2008). Resistance to methoxyfenozide remained very low throughout the 20 years of monitoring. A moderate resistance was recorded to indoxacarb (2011-2015), spinosad (2009-2012), chlorfenapyr (2011-2017), abamectin (2016-2017) and emamectin benzoate (2010-2013). A high resistance was found to indoxacarb during 2016–2017, spinosad during 2013–2017 and emamectin benzoate during 2014–2017. A rotation of diverse chemistries, having novel modes of action, along with other integrated pest management tactics, is recommended for the management of insecticide resistance in S. exigua . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The honey bee (Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae)) contributes an essential role in the U.S. economy by pollinating major agricultural crops including almond, which depends entirely on honey bee pollination for successful nut set. Almond orchards are often treated with pesticides to control a variety of pests and pathogens, particularly during bloom. While the effects to honey bee health of some insecticides, particularly neonicotinoids, have received attention recently, the impact of other types of insecticides on honey bee health is less clear. In this study, we examined the effects to honey bee forager survival of three non-neonicotinoid pesticides widely used during the 2014 California almond bloom. We collected foragers from a local apiary and exposed them to three pesticides at the label dose, or at doses ranging from 0.5 to 3 times the label dose rate. The selected pesticides included the insect growth regulators methoxyfenozide and pyriproxyfen, and the acaricide bifenazate. We simulated field exposure of honey bees to these pesticides during aerial application in almond orchards by using a wind tunnel and atomizer set up with a wind speed of 2.9 m/s. Experimental groups consisting of 30-40 foragers each were exposed to either untreated controls or pesticide-laden treatments and were monitored every 24 hr over a 10-d period. Our results revealed a significant negative effect of all pesticides tested on forager survival. Therefore, we suggest increased caution in the application of these pesticides in almond orchards or any agricultural crop during bloom to avoid colony health problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Functional genomic studies of many polyploid crops, including rapeseed (Brassica napus), are constrained by limited tool sets. Here we report development of a gain‐of‐function platform, termed ‘iFOX (inducible Full‐length cDNA OvereXpressor gene)‐Hunting’, for inducible expression of B. napus seed cDNAs in Arabidopsis. A Gateway‐compatible plant gene expression vector containing a methoxyfenozide‐inducible constitutive promoter for transgene expression was developed. This vector was used for cloning of random cDNAs from developing B. napus seeds and subsequent Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation of Arabidopsis. The inducible promoter of this vector enabled identification of genes upon induction that are otherwise lethal when constitutively overexpressed and to control developmental timing of transgene expression. Evaluation of a subset of the resulting ~6000 Arabidopsis transformants revealed a high percentage of lines with full‐length B. napus transgene insertions. Upon induction, numerous iFOX lines with visible phenotypes were identified, including one that displayed early leaf senescence. Phenotypic analysis of this line (rsl‐1327) after methoxyfenozide induction indicated high degree of leaf chlorosis. The integrated B. napuscDNA was identified as a homolog of an Arabidopsis acyl‐CoA binding protein (ACBP) gene designated BnACBP1‐like. The early senescence phenotype conferred by BnACBP1‐like was confirmed by constitutive expression of this gene in Arabidopsis and B. napus. Use of the inducible promoter in the iFOX line coupled with RNA‐Seq analyses allowed mechanistic clues and a working model for the phenotype associated with BnACBP1‐like expression. Our results demonstrate the utility of iFOX‐Hunting as a tool for gene discovery and functional characterization of Brassica napus genome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]