Side-effects of pesticides on the predatory bug Orius laevigatus (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) in the laboratory

Laboratory trials were carried out to test the side-effects of 29 pesticides on the predatory bug Orius laevigatus. To evaluate residual contact activity, nymphs of O. laevigatus were placed on treated Petri dishes and their mortality was assessed after 7 days. The fecundity of surviving females was also assessed. O. laevigatus adults were fed with eggs of Ephestia kuehniella treated with pesticides to assess the effect of pesticides by ingestion. Adult mortality and fecundity, as well as egg hatching were recorded. A number of pesticides had no significant effect on the survival and fecundity of O. laevigatus when exposed to pesticide residues by contact or by ingestion. Others appeared to be harmless by contact, but slightly toxic when ingested. Some pesticides showed to be moderately or highly toxic. These findings should be considered when releases of O. laevigatus are planned in agricultural systems. outdoor crops.