The larva of Diloboderus abderus Sturm (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) is an important wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) pest under no-till system in the Southern region of Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate insecticides applied as seed treatment (fipronil and thiamethoxam) and in soil pulverization (chlorpyriphos and lambdacyhalothrin). The effectiveness of the insecticides were assessed by determining the number of larvae in the soil at 30, 60 and 90 days after emergence, the plant biomass at 90 days after emergence and the grain yield. Significant negative correlations were obtained between doses of fipronil and thiamethoxam with number of larvae. Significant positive correlations were observed between doses of fipronil and thiamethoxam with plant biomass and grain yield. Larvae infestations in non-treated plots caused significant yield losses when compared to plots treated with insecticides. Increasing control of larvae with insecticides increased the crop yield. It is concluded that chlorpyriphos (960 and 1200g a.i./ha) and lambdacyhalothrin a 25g i.a./ha (EC formulation), in soil pulverization, were efficient in reducing larval population and maintaining grain yields. Additional studies with thiamethoxam, fipronil and lambdacyhalothrin (CS formulation) are suggested to determine most efficient technical and economical dosages of these products to control D. abderus larvae in wheat.
insecta; white grubs; chemical control; seed treatment; soil pulverization; no-till
