Method for the protection of trees
Inventors
Grosman, Donald M. • Cox, David
Assignees
Syngenta Crop Protection AG Switzerland • Texas A&M University System • Texas A&M University
Publication Number
US-10058098-B2
Publication Date
2018-08-28
Expiration Date
2026-03-21
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Abstract
The present invention provides a method for the prevention/treatment of bark beetle and/or wood borer infestation of trees comprising treatment of the tree with a composition comprising a macroyclic lactone.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method for the prevention and treatment of bark beetle and wood borer infestation in trees by treating the tree with a composition comprising a macrocyclic lactone. More specifically, the invention emphasizes the use of emamectin benzoate in this method, which shows surprising efficacy against these destructive pests.
The problem addressed is the significant destruction caused by various species of bark beetles and wood borers, particularly pine trees, resulting in economic and environmental losses. Traditional protection methods, such as broad insecticide sprays, are costly, expose workers to risks, and harm natural enemies, while systemic insecticides tested previously have had limited effect or high toxicity.
Emamectin benzoate, an avermectin derivative, possesses systemic activity and long-lasting protection against certain pests and has now been found highly effective against bark beetles and wood borers. The method applies the composition preferably via tree injection techniques, such as microinfusion, at effective doses to reduce insect attacks and prevent successful beetle gallery construction and larval development.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains one independent claim that covers a specific method involving treatment of living trees to control wood borer larvae.
Method for wood borer larvae reduction using emamectin benzoate injection
A method for reducing wood borer beetle larvae feeding or development in the phloem area of living trees involving treatment with a composition containing emamectin benzoate, where the composition is applied by injection and is sufficient to reduce larvae numbers to zero within three months after application, with emamectin benzoate applied at about 0.2 grams per inch diameter at breast height.
The claim covers a method of treating living trees with emamectin benzoate via injection at a specified dose to effectively eliminate wood borer larvae feeding or development in the phloem within three months.
Stated Advantages
High efficacy in preventing successful attacks and development of bark beetles and wood borers when applied via injection into trees.
Protection lasting at least five months post-treatment, significantly reducing beetle egg gallery construction and larval feeding damage.
Potential to protect high-value individual and urban trees susceptible to bark beetle infestations with less environmental and worker exposure risks compared to traditional spray methods.
Documented Applications
Use for the prevention and treatment of bark beetle infestations such as southern pine beetle and Ips engraver species in pine trees.
Control of wood boring cerambycid beetle larvae damage in trees.
Application via tree injection techniques, particularly the Arborjet Tree IV™ microinfusion system, for systemic delivery of the active ingredient in standing trees to protect against pest attack and infestation.
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