Research Update: Efficacy of Lambda-Cyhalothrin for Control of the Asian Longhorned Beetle

Authors: Smith, Michael; WU, J - UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE; Tropp, Joseph; HE, W - CHINESE ACAD AGRIC SCI; SU, H - CHINESE ACAD AGRIC SCI; ZHANG, G - CHINESE ACAD AGRIC SCI; XU, X - CHINESE ACAD AGRIC SCI; LI, J - YANJI FOREST GARDEN

Submitted to: Proceedings of the Emerald Ash Borer and Asian Longhorned Beetle Research and Development Review 2006
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/18/2007
Publication Date: 3/20/2007
Citation: Smith, M.T., Wu, J., Tropp, J.M., He, W., Su, H., Zhang, G., Xu, X., Li, J. 2007. Research Update: Efficacy of Lambda-Cyhalothrin for Control of the Asian Longhorned Beetle. Emerald Ash Borer Research and Technology Development Meeting. USDA Forest Service. FHTET-2007-04. p. 108-110.

Interpretive Summary: Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) is among high risk invasive species that recently invaded the U.S. from China. The only method thus far proven to control adult ALB is the removal of infested trees. To date, over 32,000 and 23,000 high value shade trees have been removed in the US and Canada, respectively, in an effort to eradicate ALB and prevent its permanent establishment. However, this method is problematic since identification of infested trees is 33%-66% effective. Therefore, the objective of the studies reported here was to develop an alternative control method based upon selective application of the insecticide Demand. Initial studies identified the dose required to kill adult beetles within 24hr. Results from subsequent lab studies showed that Demand provides >98% control of adult beetles for 60 days. The efficacy of Demand and Scimitar to control ALB when applied to infested urban Manitoba maple street trees were tested in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Results showed that Demand and Scimitar provide >99% control of the adult ALB population for 58 and 67 days, respectively, after application. Results indicate that Demand and Scimitar, applied at current label rates, can be safely applied one to two times annually: (1) to eradicate adult ALB from currently infested trees, thereby providing a potential alternative to removal of infested trees; and (2) protect healthy trees from attack. This represents the first report of population level control of adult ALB, and an alternative control method to removal of infested trees.

Technical Abstract: Asian Longhorned Beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (ALB), is among high risk invasive species that recently invaded the U.S. from China. The only method thus far proven to control adult ALB is the removal of infested trees. To date, over 32,000 and 23,000 high value shade trees have been removed in the US and Canada, respectively, in an effort to eradicate ALB and prevent its permanent establishment. However, this method is problematic since identification of infested trees is 33%-66% effective. Therefore, the objective of the studies reported here was to develop an alternative control method based upon selective application of the encapsulated pyrethroid insecticide Demand. Initial studies identified the LD50 and KT50. Results from subsequent lab studies showed that Demand provides >98% control and rapid knock down (< 1 min.) of adult beetles for 60 days. The efficacy of Demand and Scimitar to control ALB when applied to infested urban Acer negundo street trees were tested in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Results showed that Demand and Scimitar, at 300mg a.i./L and 600mg a.i./L, provide >99% control of the adult ALB population for 58 and 67 days, respectively, after application. Results indicate that Demand and Scimitar, applied at current label rates, can be safely applied one to two times annually: (1) to eradicate adult ALB from currently infested trees, thereby providing a potential alternative to removal of infested trees; and (2) protect healthy trees from attack. This represents the first report of population level control of adult ALB, and an alternative control method to removal of infested trees.