BIOPESTICIDE OF Azadirachta indica A. Juss(Nim) AND PRUNING, AN ALTERNATIVE TO CONTROLHypsipyla grandella Zeller IN Cedrela odorata L. PLANTATIONS

Abstract

The search for new, alternative means of pest control in order to reduce the contamination of forest ecosystems is currently a task of the first order. This work was carried out in a study area at the Estacion Experimental Forestal Vine les (Vine les Forest Research Station), located in the municipality of Pinar del Rio. Its objective was to find an ecological and efficient method to control Hypsipyla grandella Zeller in Cedrela odorata L. (spanish cedar) plantations. Different treatments ((biopesticides obtained from the seeds of Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Nim), Dysiston G-10, pruning and a control) were employed under a design of randomized complete blocks. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test for the following variables: number of attacks, number of bifurcations, height loss, and the height of the first bifurcation; when there were significant differences, the StudentNewman-Keuls test was conducted. For the variables studied, the best treatments were the Nim biopesticides and pruning, as there were significant differences between them and the control and the chemical product. In addition, the efficiency and environmental benefits arising from the use of the Nim biopesticide and pruning are compared with conventional pesticides.