Use of Foliar-Applied Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) Seed Extract for the Control of the Birch Leafminer, Fenusa pusilla (Lepeletier) (Hymenoptera:Tenthredinidae)

Abstract

The effect of 1.0% neenl (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) seed extract applied as a foliar spray against the birch leafminer (Fenusa pusilla (Lepeletier)) was compared to sprays of water and Metasystox-R™. Sprays were applied against the season's first generation, at oviposition (V-3-86) or early instar (V-10-86). Sprayed foliage was harvested and weighed at late instar, and adults were reared. The extract caused significantly more leafminer mortality than did water, and caused as much mortality as Metasystox-R™. Observations suggested that the extract took longer to kill leafminer larvae than did Metasystox-R™ thereby allowing for more foliar damage. There were no differences in efficacy between times of extract application.