Insecticidal Activity of Japanese Pine Sawyer (Monochamus alternatus) and Pine Sawyer (Monochamus saltuarius) Using Abamectin and Emamectin benzoate

Pine wilt disease (PWD) caused by pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, which is transmitted by Monochamus alternatus and M. saltuarius, is a serious threat to coniferous forests in the Northern Hemisphere, including Korea. The efficacy of abamectin and emamectin benzoate for preventing the PWD in the field and its effect on the vectors Monochamus alternatus and M. saltuarius (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) were evaluated. An experimental plot was delimited, of which consists of Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora) forest in South Korea, and trunk injection trials were made with abamectin and emamectin benzoate. Branches of each tree were collected, and are subsequently subjected to the analysis of residues for both nematicides. Results obtained in this study showed that abamectin and emamectin benzoate showed over 90% mortality at the recommended concentration after 6 days and 8 days, respectively. Consequently, it was found that both insecticides have a higher effect on the susceptibility and persistence of two vectors of PWD, M. alternatus and M. saltuarius feeding on branches of the trees, and its application by trunk injection is confirmed as an option for pine wilt disease management programs in Korea.