Trials on chemical control of Acizzia jamatonica
In Europe, the occurrence of Acizzia jamatonica (Homoptera: Psyllidae – EPPO Alert List) was first reported from northern Italy in 2001 (EPPO RS 2002/058), and then in France, Switzerland, Slovenia and Croatia. In Italy in 2003 and 2004, studies were carried out on the efficacy of chemical control. Trials were conducted on naturally infested Albizzia julibrissin trees (15 years-old) growing in a public park at San Giovanni Lupatoto (province of Verona, Veneto region) with different active substances and application methods (trunk injection and aerial spray). Efficacy was assessed by collecting samples (every week or every 2 weeks) and counting the number of eggs, juveniles and nymphs present on 3 composite leaves taken from 3 different parts of the crown. Trunk injection with imidacloprid or abamectine gave satisfactory results with only 1 application performed by the end of May to beginning of June. Among the other active substances tested by aerial application in 2003/2004, only lambda-cyhalothrin and thiamethoxam gave good control in both years. According to 2004 results, 2 applications (at beginning of June and in July) of these active substances were sufficient to control the overlapping generations of the pest.
Sources
Pellizzari G, Mori N, Galbero G, Antonucci C (2005) Risultati di due anni di sperimentazione contro la Psilla dell’Albizza, Acizzia jamatonica (Kuwayama). Informatore Fitopatologico 11, 33-39.