Researchers with the Application Technology Research Unit Horticultural Insects Lab are investigating a variety of systems for delivering insecticide directly to the root zone of woody plants.

In recent years, exotic white grubs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) have been found stunting and killing field-grown nursery crops in northern Ohio. Grubs injure and kill plants by feeding on the roots.

Since the grubs often distribute themselves throughout the root zone of woody crops, a large proportion of the population is deep in the soil where they are difficult to reach with surface-applied insecticides. Researchers believe subsurface application may provide growers with a means of preventing or reducing white grub damage to their field-grown nursery crops. 

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For more information see:

Fall Subsurface Insecticide Treatments Against European Chafer Grubs Damaging Field-Grown Ornamentals	Publication
Subsurface Treatments of Insecticides for Control of White Grubs in Nursery Crops	Handout
ARS Contact: Mike Reding