Treating Peach Fruit Borers (Grapholita funebrana) on Apricot Trees
The peach fruit borer, Grapholita funebrana, is a common fruit pest found on apricot trees, which has a significant impact on the quality and yield of apricots. So, how do you treat peach fruit borers on apricot trees? Let's find out.
1. Clearing Overwintering Sources: Peach fruit borer larvae mature and enter the soil to overwinter as the fruit ripens. Therefore, after the fruit matures, you can clean up fallen damaged fruits and weeds and bury them deep. On the other hand, deeply cultivate the soil around the fruit trees to expose and destroy the overwintering cocoons.
2. Killing Overwintering Larvae: Effective control of the mature larvae during emergence can effectively suppress the spread of late-stage pests. Control methods include soil covering, surface mulching, and under-tree spraying. Specifically, cover a 1.5m radius around the tree with a 10cm thick layer of soil, and compact it. You can also spray a certain concentration of bromocyclen emulsifiable concentrate or dichlorvos pesticide on the soil under the tree to kill the cocoons in the soil.
3. Fruit Bagging: For larvae that have already climbed onto the tree and infested the fruit, promptly remove the damaged fruits and prune branches with insects. Alternatively, you can bag the fruits to prevent the adult insects from laying eggs on them, and remove the bags promptly after the egg-laying period.
4. Black Light Trap: Utilize the peach fruit borer's attraction to light, chemicals, and nocturnal activity by continuously luring and killing them for 24 hours using fixed devices, such as installing fixed solar-powered insecticidal lamps or black lights for night-time killing of adults.
5. Pheromone Trapping: Use devices with pheromone bait cores to kill male insects, reducing mating and egg-laying.
6. Chemical Control: For larvae control, spray highly effective chlorpyrifos and avermectin insecticides in early May to kill the eggs. For adult control, concentrate spraying 20% cypermethrin microcapsule suspension at 500 times dilution and 10% abamectin emulsifiable oil at 1000 times dilution on the trees for concentrated control.
Above are the methods for treating peach fruit borers on apricot trees. The peach fruit borer is a long-term pest with multiple generations and a long period of damage. These methods are effective in control and can be tried by fruit growers.
How to Treat Borers in Apricot Trees
Borers, such as the peach fruit borer (Grapholita funebrana), can cause significant damage to apricot trees, affecting their health and fruit production. Treating borers in apricot trees requires a combination of preventive measures and direct control methods. Here's how you can effectively manage borers in your apricot orchard:
1. Clearing Overwintering Sources
One of the key steps in borer control is to eliminate their overwintering sources. After the fruit matures, clean up fallen damaged fruits and weeds around the trees. Deeply cultivate the soil to expose and destroy any overwintering cocoons or larvae.
2. Killing Overwintering Larvae
For effective control of overwintering larvae, consider using soil covering, surface mulching, or under-tree spraying. Cover a 1.5m radius around the tree with a 10cm thick layer of soil and compact it. Alternatively, spray a suitable insecticide on the soil under the tree to kill the larvae.
3. Fruit Bagging
To protect fruits from borer infestation, promptly remove damaged fruits and prune branches with signs of infestation. Alternatively, you can use fruit bags to prevent adult borers from laying eggs on the fruits.
4. Black Light Trap
Installing black light traps can help reduce borer populations. These traps attract and kill adult borers, especially during their active nighttime periods.
5. Pheromone Trapping
Using pheromone traps can help disrupt the mating behavior of borers, reducing their population over time. These traps are particularly effective for male borers.
6. Chemical Control
If borer infestations are severe, chemical control may be necessary. Consult with a local agricultural extension service or professional arborist for advice on suitable insecticides and application methods.
Implementing these strategies can help effectively manage borers in apricot trees, ensuring healthy tree growth and abundant fruit production.
What is the Best Insecticide for Borers?
Borers are a common pest that can cause significant damage to trees and plants. To effectively control borers, it is important to use the right insecticide. The best insecticide for borers depends on the type of borer and the plant being treated. Here are some of the most effective insecticides for controlling borers:
1. Permethrin
Permethrin is a synthetic insecticide that is highly effective against borers. It works by interfering with the nervous system of the insects, leading to paralysis and death. Permethrin is available in various formulations, including sprays and dusts, making it easy to apply to affected plants.
2. Carbaryl
Carbaryl is another commonly used insecticide for controlling borers. It works by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme that is essential for the insects' nervous system. Carbaryl is available in dust and liquid formulations and is effective against a wide range of borers.
3. Imidacloprid
Imidacloprid is a systemic insecticide that is absorbed by the plant and translocated to all parts of the plant, including the roots, where it is ingested by borers. It works by disrupting the nervous system of the insects, leading to paralysis and death. Imidacloprid is available in various formulations, including soil drenches and tree injections.
4. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a naturally occurring bacterium that produces toxins that are toxic to certain insects, including borers. Bt is available in various formulations, including sprays and dusts, and is safe to use around humans and pets.
When using insecticides to control borers, it is important to carefully read and follow the label instructions. Some insecticides may require multiple applications for effective control, while others may have specific application methods. Additionally, it is important to consider the environmental impact of insecticides and choose products that are safe for beneficial insects and the environment.
