In a laboratory test, the molt inhibiting insect growth regulators UC-84572, UC-86874, and UC-86118 were tested against nymphs of Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), Geocoris punctipes (Say) and Orius insidiosus ( ay). All 3 compounds produced high mortalities (70-100%) when used at a concentration of 100 ppm against 2nd and 3rd instar L. lineolaris nymphs. None of the compounds were selective for O. insidiosus and G. punctipes nymphs, and rates effective against L. linolaris nymphs produced high mortality among nymphs of the 2 predator species.

In a field test, UC-84572 formulated as an emulsifiable concentrate and as a flowable liquid used at field rates of 0.113 and 0.225 kg (AI)/ha produced mean mortalities as high as 86% for 2nd instar L. lineolaris nymphs. Dimethoate used at the same two rates produced significantly higher (P<0.05) mortality than the growth regulating compound, and was faster acting. The potential use of the growth regulating compounds is discussed.