The Lethal and Sublethal Effects of Lambda-Cyhalothrin and Emamectin Benzoate on the Soybean Pest Riptortus pedestris (Fabricius)

Abstract

Riptortus pedestris (Fabricius, 1775) (Hemiptera: Alydidae) is a major soybean pest in East Asia that can cause soybean staygreen syndrome. To date, no insecticides have been registered for the control of R. pedestris in China, and these insects are primarily controlled in the field through the application of broad-spectrum insecticides including lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) and emamectin benzoate (EMB). Here, the lethal and sublethal effects of LCT and EMB on R. pedestris were comprehensively evaluated. LCT and EMB were both found to exhibit high levels of toxicity and concentration-dependent repellent effects for R. pedestris. The exposure of third instar nymphs from the F0 generation to LC30 concentrations of LCT and EMB resulted in a significant increase in the duration of nymph development and adult pre-oviposition period (APOP), together with reductions in fifth instar nymph and adult body weight, longevity, oviposition days, fecundity, vitellarium length, lateral oviduct diameter, and vitellogenin (Vg) gene expression as compared to control treatment. Strikingly, these suppressive effects were transmitted to the F1 generation, which similarly experienced the prolongation of preadult development and the preoviposition period (TPOP). Relative to control-treated populations, the F1 generation for these insecticide-treated groups also exhibited significant decreases in population parameter values. Overall, these data offer new insight into the impact that LCT and EMB treatment can have on R. pedestris, providing a valuable foundation for the application of these pesticides in the context of integrated pest management strategies aimed at soybean crop preservation.