A new slow‐release formulation of methyl salicylate optimizes the alternative control of <scp><i>Sitobion avenae</i></scp> (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in wheat fields

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Some defects, such as the short persistence and lower release stability of methyl salicylate (MeSA), must be resolved before efficient field application. To enhance the utilization efficacy of MeSA, a slow-release MeSA alginate bead was designed and tested to measure its release rate in a laboratory environment and to obtain insights into its ecological effects in wheat fields. RESULTS: In laboratory tests, both the 2.5 and 10 mL formulations of MeSA alginate beads (hereafter referred to as MeSA 2.5 and MeSA 10) release stably and continuously for at least 15 days, whereas pure MeSA does so for only ∼ 7 days. In field experiments, both the MeSA 2.5 bead and the MeSA 10 bead reduce the abundance of Sitobion avenae significantly and attract Metasyrphus corollae compared with the control. In addition, the effect of MeSA 10 beads is significantly greater than that of MeSA 2.5. CONCLUSION: The MeSA alginate bead we manufactured could be an efficient slow-release formulation. The MeSA 10 bead had a significantly greater effect on S. avenae population suppression, partly by attracting M. corollae in fields. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.