The use of insecticides to control maize rough dwarf virus (MRDV) in maize*

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Abstract
SUMMARY: Insecticides were screened in the laboratory for fast action against the delphacid planthopper, Laodelphax striatellus, the vector of maize rough dwarf virus (MRDV) in Israel. In these tests the synthetic pyrethroids were more efficient than oxydemeton‐methyl or endosulfan giving 50% mortality after 5 h compared to 10% in the non‐pyrethroid insecticides. Selected insecticides were then tested in maize fields for their effect on disease spread and crop yield. The synthetic pyrethroids cypermethrin, fluvalinate and biphenthrin reduced MRDV incidence by 22–59% and disease was less severe in the treated plots. Total crop yield (stems, leaves, ears) was 28% higher in the biphenthrin‐and fluvalinate‐treated plots than in untreated plots.