Control of adult cockchafers Melolontha spp. with Mospilan 20 SP

Przemysław Szmit

For the period of the last 20 years, cockchafer grubs have caused in Europe considerable losses in plant production and forestry. Until recently, pest grubs were controlled with carbamate or organophosphorus insecticides applied into soil. Presently, after environmental regulatory implementation which disallow application of soil-applied insecticides control of adult cockchafers have gained more recognition. The aim of the study carried out during cockchafer swarming in mixed stands with oak (Quercus robur) was to evaluate the efficacy of insecticide treatments using aircraft and ground equipment to control Melolontha melolontha and M. hippocastani with Mospilan 20 SP at a rate 0.4 kg/ha. In 2007, helicopter sprays at a rate 5 l of working solution/ha were performed in the Forest District Spała (central Poland). In 2001, insecticide treatments at a rate 200 l of working solution/ha were applied with a tractor sprayer in the Forest Districts Spała and Smardzewice (central Poland). Treatment efficacy was evaluated 3 weeks after insecticide application by assessment of defoliation degrees in sprayed and not sprayed trees with the use of LIŚĆ (LEAF) computer software. Regardless the form of treatment application, observed leaf damage on sprayed trees ranged from 0.2– 1.75%, while leaf damage on not sprayed trees was 86– 95%. The results obtained will be used in the registration procedure of Mospilan 20 SP as the insecticide for the protection of oaks against cockchafers.