Response of a red clone of Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) to sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid in the laboratory and greenhouse.

Background: Pest resurgence following a pesticide application may occur owing to a stimulatory (hormetic) response to sublethal insecticide concentrations. The objective of the present study was to examine the potential for a greenhouse-derived red clone of Myzus persicae to exhibit resurgence owing to a hormetic response following a systemic imidacloprid treatment in a bell pepper greenhouse.

Results: No differences in mortality and fecundity were observed among apterous adults exposed to sublethal imidacloprid concentrations on excised pepper leaves fed aqueous solutions of imidacloprid.