EFFECT OF INSECTICIDES ON PREDATORS OF THE PEAR PSYLLA, PSYLLA PYRICOLA (HEMIPTERA: PSYLLIDAE), IN ONTARIO

Abstract
The predominant predator of the pear psylla, Psylla pyricola Foerster, in a pear orchard on the Niagara Peninsula, Ontario was the anthocorid, Anthocoris nemoralis (F.). Applications of permethrin (62.5 g a.i./ha) reduced numbers of the predator when applied at petal fall. Azinphosmethyl (336.4 g a.i./ha) applied at petal and at 1st cover did not affect A. nemoralis. Both insecticides reduced the numbers of the predatory mite, Balaustium putmani Smiley. Species of Hemiptera other than A. nemoralis, especially Miridae and Reduviidae, were reduced by permethrin applied at petal fall and by azinphosmethyl applied at 1st cover.