Determining the Biological Effects of Some Plant Protection Products to Control Brown Pseudobutterfly, Pochazia shantungensis (Chu & Lu, 1977) (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae)

Pochazia shantungensis, an invasive pest originating from Far East Asia, poses a threat to numerous commercially significant agricultural crops and ornamental plants. This insect species was initially discovered in Istanbul province in 2019 and has since spread extensively across a significant part of the ecosystem in the Marmara Region of Türkiye. The primary strategy for managing this pest relies heavily on chemical control methods. Given the lack of a registered plant protection product (PPP) specifically for P. shantungensis in Türkiye, various chemical and biological formulations were evaluated in this study. The chosen preparations were those that have received official approval for use against other harmful species in Türkiye, which exhibit damage patterns similar to those caused by P. shantungensis. The study assessed the recommended dosage along with two sub-doses of these registered formulations for their effectiveness against this pest. Efficacy testing was conducted in pots fitted with muslin cloth cages, employing a randomized block design with three replications for each formulation at three different dosages. The findings indicated that the 0.025% concentration of the acetamiprid 20% formulation (Mospilan 20 SP) achieved the highest efficacy, resulting in a 100% effect within five days post-application. Additionally, a 0.05% concentration of deltamethrin 25 g/L (Deltharin 2.5) demonstrated an efficacy of 97.65% after seven days, while a 0.5% concentration of azadirachtin 0.3 g/L (Nimbecidine) reached an efficacy of 69.51% after eleven days. Minimal effects were noted one day after application, with recorded efficacies of 1.14% and 2.27% for the 0.05%, 0.15%, and 0.25% doses of 1.5% Verticillıum lecanii strain bb-1 1.5% - 1x10 over 8 cfu/ml min (Nibortem SL) and the 0.2% concentration of sulfur 80-WG, respectively.