To better support our stakeholders with pest management, we are launching an Insecticide Resistance Monitoring Program in Calvin’s Lab. This initiative will include seasonal insecticide efficacy bioassays using the most commonly used insecticides. We will target key pests of major crops grown in Arizona, with a particular focus on those affecting vegetables and citrus crops.

A major goal of this program is to establish baseline susceptibility data for Plinazolin’s target pests in vegetables and citrus crops. This will enable us to monitor potential changes in susceptibility over time and make informed, timely adjustments to pest control strategies.

Insecticide resistance monitoring is a critical component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Understanding the baseline susceptibility of insect pests is essential for early detection of resistance and the long-term success of new insecticide modes of action. It is especially important to gather this data for Plinazolin before its widespread adoption in our region.

To support this effort, we will collect insects from vegetable- and citrus-growing regions throughout Arizona. Your collaboration is essential. We will reach out to request access to field sites where we can collect target insect populations. Additionally, we encourage you to contact us directly if you experience insecticide control failures or suspect resistance in your fields.

Our current target pests include:

• Diamondback moth

• Beet armyworm

• Cabbage looper

• Western flower thrips

• Citrus thrips

• Aphids

• Whiteflies

 

Please let us know if there are additional pests you would like us to consider.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to working with you to address Arizona’s most pressing pest management challenges.