Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Granulate Ambrosia Beetle Alert

This message from Dr.Steven Frank. Please note that Granulate Ambrosia Beetles have been found here in Henderson County. Be on the look-out for these insects and let us know if you suspect that you have them. Please note the preventative measures recommended in the article below!

This is the second alert from the Granulate Ambrosia Beetle Monitoring and
Alert program.

Granulate ambrosia beetles were captured in Henderson Co. which is in the
Western part of the state zone 7a-6b. Ambrosia beetle damage was seen in
Johnston Co. also. These at least one detection has been made at each end
of the state. That in combination with current warm weather suggests
growers should begin protecting susceptible trees with preventative
applications of a pyrethroid insecticide.

Recommendations: A landscape borer spray containing a pyrethroid such as
permethrin or bifenthrin can be used and may have to be reapplied every
two to three weeks while beetles are active. A surfactant or sticker may
help the insecticide adhere to bark and provide longer protection.

Astro, Permethrin Pro (permethrins), and Onyx (bifenthrin) are registered
for use on tree trunks in the landscape.

For nursery sites Perm-Up (permethrin) is labeled for field grown nursery
stock. OnyxPro (bifenthrin) is labeled for application to tree trunks in
landscape and nursery sites.

Generic equivalents to the above products are also acceptable.

More details on Granulate Ambrosia Beetle can be found at
Granulate Ambrosia Beetle

If you have other questions DO NOT reply to this email. Contact me at
sdfrank@ncsu.edu

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.