Efficacy of Peak Plus® against Caliroa cerasi (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae).

Insecticidal control and the phenology of cherryslug (Caliroa cerasi(L.)) (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) on organic pears in Central Otago

“…Similar problems have been reported in organic crop production in other countries (e.g. Pino et al 2007).…”

“…The present study has shown that kaolin, lime sulphur, neem extract, and pyrethrum ' mineral oil, are alternatives that could be considered. Other research has also identified fatty acids as effective against this pest (Pino et al 2007) and shown that Thuricide † (Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner) could assist with cherryslug management either directly or as a side-effect of leafroller control (Wearing 1992). The research with kaolin has shown that the timing of application is very important in determining efficacy of this product.…”

“…causing lower proportions of grade 2 and grade 3 damage. These reductions would be important in minimizing the impact of cherryslug feeding on tree nutrition, growth and yield (Pino et al 2007). The reduction of grade 2 and grade 3 damage was usually accompanied by an increased proportion of undamaged leaves compared with the control.…”

“…Damage is caused to the leaves of host trees by the black slug-like larval stages, which feed on the mesophyll (mainly on the adaxial surface), thereby creating 'windows' between the veins and, in severe cases, leading to skeletonized leaves. Such damage has been reported to affect tree nutrition, growth and yield (Pino et al 2007). A survey of organic pip-fruit growers in New Zealand in 1990 (Wearing & Walker 1991) found that cherryslug was the most important problem pest of European pears and nashi.…”

“…Similar difficulties have limited or prevented the use of other effective plant-derived insecticides based on ryanodine (van Epenhuijsen & de Silva 1991;Wearing 1991Wearing , 1992. Further candidate chemicals for organic production that could improve cherryslug control include Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Wearing 1992), neem oil (Smirle & Wei 1996), lime sulphur (Edwards 2004) and fatty acids (Pino et al 2007). …”