The plant defense activator acibenzolar-S-methyl does not harm Chrysoperla carnea: evidence from laboratory trials

Abstract

Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) is an important predator of arthropod pests in the Palearctic Region. Populations of this predator may be affected by crop protectants’ applications. Acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM) is a defense activator which promotes crop resistance against plant pathogens. We investigated the effects of ASM on mortality and other biological traits of C. carnea in laboratory experiments. ASM did not impair the evaluated endpoints (survival, development, adult emergence and fecundity) in both third-instar larva and adult-treated chrysopid.