Effects of Abamectin on Peachtree Borers in the Laboratory and in Peach Orchards (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae)²

Abamectin was effective in reducing egg hatch, larval survival, adult mating behavior and oviposition of the lesser peachtree borer, Synanthedon pictipes (Grote and Robinson) LPTB, and egg hatch and larval survival of the peachtree borer, Synanthedon exitisoa (Say) PTB, in the laboratory at rates of 10 and 20 ppm. Subsequently, tests in peach orchards with comparable rates of abamectin were effective in reducing PTB populations in Peach and Taylor counties, Georgia. Although abamectin was less effective than chlorpyrifos (standard recommendation) for PTB control, it warrants consideration as an alternative for control because it is a natural product derivative and probably poses little threat to the environment.