A Prophylactic Application of Systemic Insecticides Contributes to the Management of the Hibiscus Bud Weevil Anthonomus testaceosquamosus Linell (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The hibiscus bud weevil is an invasive pest that attacks tropical hibiscus. Its management has been challenging due to its cryptic adult and concealed immature stages. We evaluated the efficiency of four systemic insecticides (spirotetramat, chlorantraniliprole, flupyradifurone, cyantraniliprole) against using two approaches: one applied 4 weeks before infestation (prophylactic) other 1 week after (curative). number eggs, larvae, feeding holes per sampled were recorded 7, 14, 21, 28 days (prophylactic), application (curative), respectively. In general, a greater treatment effects detected in prophylactic approach comparison with those curative. With approach, mean larvae actively growing was significantly for control (water) than all insecticides. Among fallen buds, cyantraniliprole, spirotetramat had fewer control. curative no differences among can effectively suppress initial HBW infestation, contrast targeting already high populations. This provides opportunity reducing impact this regulated areas expansion.