Effects of biorational pesticides on four coccinellid species (Coleoptera : Coccinellidae) having potential as biological control agents in interiorscapes

The direct toxicity of insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, Azatin, an ext ract from the Neem tree containing azadiractin, and BotainiGard, a commerci al formulation of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana, was asses sed on adults of four species of coccinellids-Hippodamia convergens (Guerin -Meneville), Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer), Harmonia axyridis Pallas, and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant. All biorationals caused less mortality t han a conventional pesticide, carbaryl (Sevin). Horticultural oil (Sunspray ultrafine oil) consistently had no effect on beetle survivorship. Insectic idal soap (M-Pede) significantly reduced survival in all replicates for C. maculata and in at least one of the three replicates far the other three co ccinellid species. Beauveria bassiana (BotaniGard) significantly reduced su rvival of C. montrouzieri at 72 h after spray in all three replicates. Azat in reduced survivorship in only one species. C. maculata, in only one of th e three replicates.