The efficiency of systemic insecticides and complete fertilizer by trunk injection method against leopard moth in infested walnut trees

Abstract

Background Leopard moth, Zeuzera pyrina L., is a key pest of walnut trees in arid and dry areas. It severely damages walnut tree gardens with limitations on irrigation water in the growing season. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of trunk injections of three systemic insecticides: imidacloprid, oxydemeton-methyl, thiamethoxam and a complete fertilizer, Nutreeno® against the leopard moth. Trunk injection was done by drilling. The walnut annual shoots of 60 cm in length were sampled from four directions of the treated and control trees in 4 months after treatments. Results The results showed that all treatments including the insecticides and the complete fertilizer at higher concentrations had acceptable efficacy on the leopard moth, and thiamethoxam was the best treatment. Conclusions Trunk injections by neonicotinoid insecticides and Nutreeno can be a safer control method against leopard moth larvae in old walnut trees around residential areas.

Trunk Injection as a Tool to Deliver Plant Protection Materials—An Overview of Basic Principles and Practical Considerations

“…The use of trunk injection for preventative or curative management has shown potential for protecting high-value forest, ornamental, and landscape trees from pests and diseases, perhaps justifying its use in crop production systems. Recent research on insecticide injection in tree crops includes emamectin benzoate for shot-hole borers in avocado [127], azadirachtin and abamectin for pear psylla in pear trees [128], abamectin for tiger longicorn beetle in mulberry [129], imidacloprid, oxydemeton-methyl, thiamethoxam, and fertilizers for leopard moth control in Persian walnut [130], abamectin to manage walnut husk fly in walnut trees [131], imidacloprid and spirotetramat for banana thrips [132], emamectin benzoate, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam to control the red palm weevil in date palms [133,134], and thiamethoxam to manage apple aphids in apple trees [135].…”

Vegetative Endotherapy—Advances, Perspectives, and Challenges

“…Qualitative or quantitative residue analyzes used vegetative tissue from trees such as bark, roots, leaves, flowers, and fruits to determine the presence/absence of the Examples of evaluation methodologies and criteria considered in field trials were based on defoliation levels [120,145], levels of severity of progressive deterioration of the affected crown [41,114]; insect population mortality data [41]; and visual assessment of disease severity [82]. The number of stem galls, stem and leaf insect infestation levels, visual ratings on new shoot emergence, overall tree health [146]; evaluation of foliage density of the mistletoe [115]; pest attacks [126]; gall density and staining [125]; and larval mortality [145]; larval penetrations and efficiency of the treatments [87]; reduction in exit holes of Xylotrechus chinensis [112] were evaluated. In some studies, the experiments were conducted in a glass/greenhouse to obtain better investigation control, not exposing products to the environment or putting pollinators at risk.…”

Avermectin Trunk Injections: A Promising Approach for Managing the Walnut Husk Fly (Rhagoletis completa)

“…A number of studies have reported on the successful use of trunk injection, regardless of whether the purpose was to stop pathogen microorganisms [32][33][34][35] or insect pests [36,37]. ABA endotherapy was used successfully when canker disease of the walnut emerged, caused by the pathogen Geosmithia morbida Kolařik, 2010, and vectored by the bark beetle (Pityophthorus juglandis Blackman, 1928) [38].…”