Efficacy of Bio-Preparations Neko and Lysaplant in the Control of the Large Pine Weevil
Hylobius Abietis L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Under Laboratory Conditions

• Sibul, I., Ploomi, A. And Voolma, K.
• Estonian Agricultural University, Kreutzwaldi 64, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
• The Third International Conference onIPM Role in Integrated Crop management and Impacts on Environment and Agricultural Products. 26-29 November 2005, Giza, Egypt.

Abstract

The large pine weevil (Hylobius abietis L.) is a widespread, abundant and economically important insect pest in reforestation areas in boreal coniferous forests extending throughout Eurasia. Today, Insect Pest Management (IPM) has to face up to the economic and ecological consequences of the use of pest control measures. This has aroused great interest in natural insecticides of plant origin. Environmentally friendly plant protection is important also in forestry. In the present study, we compared the effects of two commercial bio pesticides - Neko Spring spray (OY Neko AB, Finland) and Lysaplant Leaf (Bugico S.A., Switzerland) - on the maturation feeding of H. abietis in laboratory experiments. In laboratory choice feeding tests, which comprised the assaying of the effects of bio pesticides on the pine weevil's feeding activity during 24-72 hours, the studied female and male weevils were confined in Petri dishes with Scots pine twigs. Under laboratory conditions, both tested bio preparations modified the maturation feeding intensity of the pine weevil to a certain extent, while the males were more susceptible to the preparations than the females. Neko Spring spray (i.e. paraffin oil) completely depressed the feeding of the individuals of both sexes during 72 hours on the treated twigs, however, a strong antifeedant effect (antifeedant index (AFI)=0.95) was revealed in the male beetles. Lysaplant (i.e. plant extracts, aromatic oils and bitter essence) similarly depressed feeding on the treated twigs but its antifeedant properties were weaker (AFI=0.35).