Tree care package to preserve iconic palm trees
Red Palm Weevil adult
A new Syngenta tree care package could now save southern Europe’s iconic palm trees from the devastating effects of the Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus). The treatment, which involves direct micro-injection of a targeted insecticide into the trunk of affected trees, has been fully approved in France and granted emergency approval to tackle the increasing pest pressure in Spain. The treatment is claimed to provide a fast, efficient and unobtrusive treatment, with minimal disruption or interference to the trees, the public or the environment and just one single targeted treatment can stop Red Palm Weevil activity in the tree for a whole season.
The insecticide, Revive contains emamectin benzoate, an avermectin class insecticide developed for the control of lepidopteron insects. This class of pesticide consists of homologous semi-synthetic macrolides that are derived from the natural fermentation products of Streptomyces bacteria. Revive kills the targeted Red Palm Weevil larvae by disrupting neurotransmitters, causing irreversible paralysis. It is lethal upon ingestion or direct contact. The emamectin acts as a GABA agonist and binds to the GABA receptor complex: this results in channel opening, hence mimicking the action of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA.
This is a preview of a full article published in International Pest Control – May/June 2014 issue.
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Category: Forestry-Plantation, International Pest News
