Evaluation of efficacy and safety of seven pesticides against Cinara bungeanae on Pinus bungeana

Cinara bungeanae Zhang et Zhang is the primary piercing-sucking pest affecting Pinus bungeana Zucc. ex Endl, significantly compromising tree health and ornamental value. To facilitate rational pest management, this study evaluated the control efficacy of seven pesticides against Cinara bungeanae and assessed the safety of the three most effective compounds against five common natural enemy insects of piercing-sucking pests. Results indicated that 22% sulfoxaflor SC （30000× dilution）, 17% flupyradifurone SL （3000× dilution）, and 2% thiacloprid CS （1500× dilution） exhibited high efficacy and rapid knockdown against Cinara bungeanae. However, these agents also exert measurable impacts on natural enemies; therefore, their application should be timed to avoid peak activity periods of beneficial insects such as lady beetles and lacewings. Afidopyropen DC （50 g·L⁻¹, 12000× dilution） and 25% pymetrozine SC （6000× dilution） demonstrated lower immediate efficacy but are suitable for integration with biological control strategies under low pest population densities. Matrine SL （1%, 600× dilution） and 22.4% spirotetramat SC （6000× dilution） demonstrated suboptimal efficacy against the target pest and are not recommended for standalone use.