Preliminary results about the efficacy of abamectin trunk injection against the walnut husk fly (Rhagoletis completa)

Abstract

The walnut husk fly (Rhagoletis completa) is one of the main pests affecting common walnut in both Europe and America. This work examines the effects of abamectin on the development of walnut husk fly larvae by injecting the product Vertimec 1.8 EC (Syngenta) into the trunks of walnut trees in Hungary. In the case of properly injected trees, the infection rate was negligible and the abamectin content in the husk samples ranged between 1.54 and 3.00 ng/g; controls show a very high (> 90%) infestation rate and an abamectin content under the detection limit. Abamectin residue measured in walnut kernel did not exceed the maximum residue limit; moreover, the active ingredient content was below the detection limit (0.0003 mg/kg) in all the collected kernel samples. Our results confirm that trunk injection is a viable method for walnut pest control.