ISHS Acta Horticulturae 736: III International Date Palm Conference
THE EFFICACY OF FOUR SYSTEMIC INSECTICIDES USING TWO METHODS OF APPLICATION AGAINST THE GREEN DATE PALM PIT SCALE INSECT ASTEROLECANIUM PHOENICIS RAO.) (PALMAPSIS PHOENICIS) (HOMOPTERA: ASTEROLECANIIDAE) IN NORTHERN SUDAN |
| Author: | M.A. Ahmed |
| Abstract:
A series of small-scale experiments were undertaken in Algaba scheme and Golid area for two seasons, 2002/2003 and 2003/2004, respectively, to evaluate the effectiveness of four systemic insecticides (Actara 25 WG, Rinfidor 20% SL, Comodor 20% SL and Confidor 200 SL) using two methods of application: soil application and trunk injection. Insecticide doses of Actara 25 WG (thiamethoxam) were 9, 12, 15 and 18 g /palm and 6, 8 and 10 g /palm for soil application and trunk injection, respectively, while doses of Rinfidor 20% SL and Comodor 20% SL of (imidacloprid) were 20, 25 and 35 ml/palm and 10, 15 and 20 ml/palm for soil application and trunk injection, respectively. Confidor 200 SL (imidacloprid) was used as standard (35 ml/palm) for soil application and 10, 15 and 20 ml /palm for trunk injection. A complete randomized design with six replicates (one palm = replicate) was used. The insects (all developing stages) were counted (cm2/leaflet). Eight leaflets from each palm were inspected at biweekly intervals. Date yield and quality were determined at harvest. A residue analysis was carried out on dates, soil and intercropping twice. Results indicated that the total number and % mortality of both adult insects and immature stages were significantly higher than the untreated control for the two application methods. The higher doses remained effective throughout the experimental period. Date palms treated with the higher doses of insecticides developed normally and dates reached maturity (ripening) with an increased yield of more than 70% compared to the untreated control. All insecticides checked termites and many other pests, but did not affect mites. The two methods of application are highly economical and safe for the user with minimal environmental impact. | |
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files) | |
