Systemicity of anthranilic diamides in soybean plants applied via seed treatment and foliar application

Absorption and translocation of chemical insecticides in plants are complex processes and influenced by different factors. This study investigated the translocation of chlorantraniliprole and cyantraniliprole in soybean plants in greenhouse, using Helicoverpa armigera as a bioindicator and chemical quantification in LC–MS/MS. Two experiments were conducted in the greenhouse and laboratory. Significant acropetal and basipetal movement in leaves was confirmed for both anthranilic diamides. Application via seed treatment (ST) and foliar spray of chlorantraniliprole and cyantraniliprole resulted in significant uptake and translocation via xylem to the flowers emitted after the application of treatments. The mortality of H. armigera with foliar application of chlorantraniliprole (10 g a.i./ha⁻¹) and cyantraniliprole (50 g a.i./ha⁻¹) was 60% and 45% higher than the control treatment, respectively. The use of both insecticides via ST resulted in a residual effect of approximately 60 days after application. The anthranilic diamides studied have shown to have physicochemical characteristics that allow their translocation to structures not yet present at the time of application. Thus, chlorantraniliprole and cyantraniliprole may be an alternative for the management of lepidopteran pests that cause damage during soybean flowering.