Survey on the effects of some pesticides on Armoured scale (Chrysomphalus dictyospermi) and the heather ladybird (Chilocorus bipustulatus)

Chrysomphalus dictyospermi (Morgan, 1889) (Hem.: Diaspididae) is one of the most important citrus pests. Since weather conditions in the north of Iran are suitable for this pest, it infects the entire regions in a short period. Various pesticides are widely used to control this pest. These toxins have an adverse effect on human health, ecosystem and reduce the population of natural enemies of pests. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Thiamthoxam (Actamia 24% SC) at 0.5, 0.75, Spirotetramat (Movento 100% SC) at 1 per 1000, and Chlorpyrifos (Dorsban 48% SC) at 2 per thousand pesticides on different developmental stages of C. dictyospermi and its biological control agent Chilocorus bipustulatus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Col.: Coccinellidae) in Gilan and Golestan, Iran. In this research, a new formulation of thiamethoxam pesticide named Actamia was used. The results showed that in both provinces, the highest efficiency is related to Actamia and Spirotetramat insecticides with a dose of 1 per 1000 after 14 days. Moreover, the studies showed that these compounds have the most negative effects on C. bipustulatus, and the most important natural enemy of this pest.