The olive tree Olea europaea L. is attacked by numerous pests that
affect yield quality and quantity. Oleander scales, Aspidiotus nerii Bouché
(Hemiptera: Diaspididae) is considered one of the most important pests in
plantation and reclamation areas in Egypt. Herein, under olive field
conditions, two seasons of study (2017-2018 and 2018-2019) were
undertaken to evaluate the efficiency of some nano-insecticide formulations
of three neonicotinoid insecticides (acetamiprid, dinotefuran and
thiamethoxam) in comparison with their conventional formulations against
A. nerii. The foliar application of nanoformulations at the recommended rate
(1X) of acetamiprid induced the highest average reduction percentage of A.
nerii (100%) and more efficacy than dinotefuran (83.28%) and
thiamethoxam (82.73%). Whereas thiamethoxam as (½ X) caused a highest
average reduction percentage (100%) compared with acetamiprid (64.61%)
and dinotefuran (82.50%). Plus, acetamiprid and thiamethoxam as (¼X)
caused the highest average reduction percentage (80.07 and 85.72%)
compared with dinotefuran (73.07%). Results indicated that all of nano
formulations at (1X, ½X and ¼X) recommended rate were caused a high
average reduction percentage compared with the conventional formulation
(1X) which was (87.66, 81.11 and 60.88%) respectively. Furthermore, the
efficacy and remaining effects of these nano formulations continued up to
21 days after treatment against A. nerii. The results of this study may
strongly suggest the use of nano-neonicotinoid insecticide formulations in
the application of the olive scale IPM pest program, but caution should be
exercised with regard to the possible side effects of such formulations on
other aspects of the environment