Particle film deters oviposition by Diaprepes abbreviatus (Coleoptera : Curculionidae)

A hydrophilic formulation of the inert silicate kaolin was tested in a scre enhouse for its effect on the behavior of the root weevil Diaprepes abbrevi atus (L.), a pest of citrus and ornamental plants in Florida and the Caribb ean. Feeding by adults on treated foliage was reduced by 68-84% compared wi th adults fed untreated foliage. No insecticidal activity was detected afte r 14 d of exposure to kaolin-treated leaves. Oviposition was completely sup pressed on treated foliage. Although females oviposited >19,000 eggs during two trials on untreated foliage, no egg masses were found on foliage treat ed with the kaolin formulation. These data indicate potential for kaolin as a barrier to oviposition in citrus groves and may prove to be an economica lly viable and environmentally sound component of an integrated approach fo r control of D. abbreviatus and related root weevils.