Pest Management Science (2011) 67, 1277-1284

Susana Grimalt, Dean Thompson, Derek Chartrand, John McFarlane, Blair Helson, Barry Lyons, Joe Meating and Taylor Scarr (2011)
Foliar residue dynamics of azadirachtins following direct stem injection into white and green ash trees for control of emerald ash borer
Pest Management Science 67 (10), 1277-1284
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Azadirachtins are natural insecticides derived from the neem tree. The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an exotic invasive insect pest that infests various ash tree species and has the potential for significant economic, aesthetic and ecological impacts throughout North America. The initial translocation and foliar residue dynamics of azadirachtins were examined following direct injection into white and green ash trees growing in urban scenarios as a potential control for EAB.
RESULTS: Substantial concentrations of azadirachtins A and B [mean maxima > 0.98 mg kg⁻¹ fresh weight (f.w.)] were observed within 2 days of injecting a specifically designed formulation of azadirachtins. Foliar residues declined exponentially through time, with half-life estimates ranging from 5.1 to 12.3 days. At the time of leaf senescence, foliar residue levels approximated 0.01 mg kg⁻¹ f.w., strongly mitigating the potential effects of non-target biota in soil or aquatic compartments.
CONCLUSION: The magnitude and duration of exposures observed in this field study were considered to be above the thresholds required for biological effectiveness against both larval and adult life stages of EAB. Results support the use of azadirachtins as an environmentally acceptable systemic insecticide for control of EAB and protection of high-value ash trees in urban environments.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general
environment - cropping system/rotation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Agrilus planipennis	Ash (Fraxinus)