Combined application of anionic surfactant and pyrethroids at the pupal stage effectively controls pistachio twig borer [Kermania pistaciella Amsel (Lepidoptera: Tineidae)]
摘要
Türkiye ranks among the leading pistachio-producing countries globally. It was the second-largest producer after the USA in 2024, contributing ~ 15% to global production. Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) is concentrated in specific regions of Türkiye, and Şanlıurfa leads the country in both area under cultivation and production. The province has witnessed an increase in the area under pistachio cultivation during recent years. However, the increased cultivation has led to several production challenges, including pest infestation. Pistachio twig borer Kermania pistaciella Amsel (Lepidoptera: Tineidae) is regarded as one of the most serious pistachio pests, causing significant economic losses. Its larvae bore galleries inside young shoots and clusters, making conventional chemical control difficult and often ineffective. This study hypothesized that the combined application of insecticide and anionic surfactant during the pupal stage could achieve greater control. The efficacy of the sole and combined applications of insecticides and anionic surfactant against K. pistaciella was tested in the field trials during 2022–2023. The experiments were set up in two pistachio orchards (~ 30-year-old) in the province according to randomized complete block design. Treatments included 200 g/L esfenvalerate (applied at 20 mL/100 L water), 50 g/L lambda-cyhalothrin (20 mL/100 L), an anionic surfactant (Chitin Shredder®, 25 mL/100 L), and combinations of each dose of both insecticides with the surfactant. The results indicated that the combined application of anionic surfactant and lambda-cyhalothrin achieved ~ 90.12% control. Similarly, the combined application of esfenvalerate and surfactant yielded ~ 86.23% control. In contrast, the sole application of insecticides or surfactant provided unsatisfactory control (only 3.40–17.50% efficacy). It is concluded that the combined application of tested insecticides and anionic surfactant during the pupal stage can provide a highly effective control of K. pistaciella. Nevertheless, future studies should evaluate the long-term sustainability, environmental safety, and economic feasibility of this approach across diverse agroecological conditions.