Non-target effects of a novel insect growth regulator, novaluron, on beneficial arthropods in cool-season turfgrass ecosystems

Insect growth regulators (IGR) are considered more selective than their neurotoxic counterparts and are generally less harmful to non-target organisms and the environment. Novaluron is an IGR in the class of chitin synthesis inhibitors that has been widely adopted to control annual bluegrass weevil (ABW) (Listronotus maculicollis) on golf courses across the northeast United State and Canada. Novaluron’s mode of action prevents the correct formation of the exoskeleton in immatures and is selective within arthropods. We hypothesize that novaluron will be less disruptive to beneficial arthropods and their ecosystem services than other prominent insecticide classes commonly used to control ABW. Plots on golf course fairways in central Pennsylvania were treated with novaluron, or with a representative neonicotinoid (clothianidin), pyrethroid (bifenthrin), organophosphate (acephate), or combination formulation (bifenthrin + clothianidin). Non-target effects on arthropod abundance were assessed via pitfall trapping and Berlese funnel extractions. Results from the 2023 and 2024 field season will be presented, providing research-based recommendations to the golf industry to balance their needs of pest control and their commitment to beneficial conservation.