Control of the peachtree borer and lesser peachtree borer using beneficial nematodes

Authors: Shapiro Ilan, David; Cottrell, Ted; RUSSELL MIZELL III, F - University Of Florida; OLMSTEAD, MERCY - University Of Florida; PINERO, J - University Of Massachusetts

Submitted to: Experiment Station Bulletins
Publication Type: Experiment Station
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/27/2018
Publication Date: 5/29/2018
Citation: Shapiro Ilan, D.I., Cottrell, T.E., Russell Mizell Iii, F., Olmstead, M.A., Pinero, J.C. 2018. Control of the peachtree borer and lesser peachtree borer using beneficial nematodes. Healthy Fruit. 26(9): 20-28.

Interpretive Summary: The peachtree borer, Synanthedon exitiosa, is a major pest of peaches and other stone fruits. Our research indicates that entomopathogenic nematodes, also known as beneficial nematodes, can be used effectively to control the insect. The highlights of our research shows that the beneficial nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae can be applied as a preventative control in late summer or fall applications (the same timing that chemical insecticides are used). The nematode (S. carpocapsae) can also be applied in the spring as a curative control to clean up any remaining peachtree borer larvae and prevent the next generation of peachtree borer from emerging. The nematodes can be applied effectively using standard spray equipment including boom sprayer, trunk sprayer, and handgun. Effective applications rates for the nematodes: range from 1 million to 1.5 million nematodes per tree. In summer/fall applications, the nematodes controlled peachtree borer as well as the standard chemical insecticide chlorpyrifos (Lorsban and other formulations). In springtime curative applications, the nematodes controlled the pest, but chlorpyrifos did not. Nematodes from two different commercial sources were effective. Lesser peachtree borer attacks the tree’s trunk and scaffold limbs and therefore a protective formulation (such as a firegel) is needed to protect the nematodes from harmful UV radiation and desiccation. These findings are important because increased use of effective biological control strategies in agriculture, such using beneficial nematodes, is desirable for developing improved sustainable agricultural systems.

Technical Abstract: The peachtree borer, Synanthedon exitiosa, is a major pest of peaches and other stone fruits. Our research indicates that entomopathogenic nematodes, also known as beneficial nematodes, can be used effectively to control the insect. We conducted replicated experiments in randomized block designs over four years. The highlights of our research shows that the beneficial nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae can be applied as a preventative control in late summer or fall applications (the same timing that chemical insecticides are used). The nematode (S. carpocapsae) can also be applied in the spring as a curative control to clean up any remaining peachtree borer larvae and prevent the next generation of peachtree borer from emerging. The nematodes can be applied effectively using standard spray equipment including boom sprayer, trunk sprayer, and handgun. Effective applications rates for the nematodes: range from 1 million to 1.5 million nematodes per tree. In summer/fall applications, the nematodes controlled peachtree borer as well as the standard chemical insecticide chlorpyrifos (Lorsban and other formulations). In springtime curative applications, the nematodes controlled the pest, but chlorpyrifos did not. Nematodes from two different commercial sources were effective. Beneficial nematodes can also be used to control the related insect pest lesser peachtree borer (Synanthedon pictipes). Lesser peachtree borer attacks the tree’s trunk and scaffold limbs and therefore a protective formulation (such as a firegel) is needed to protect the nematodes from harmful UV radiation and desiccation. These findings are important because increased use of effective biological control strategies in agriculture, such using beneficial nematodes, is desirable for developing improved sustainable agricultural systems.