Large-scale field demonstration trials with entomopathogenic nematodes to control litchi pests in Guangdong

• Guangdong Entomological Institute, China

Lychee is an important and high value crop in Guangdong Province, but suffers severe damage from insect borers, which at times cause the death of whole trees. Farmers waste much money on insecticidal treatments that have little effect because the chemicals do not penetrate the tunnels of the borers. Small scale trials have demonstrated that introduction of microscopic entomopathogenic nematodes can kill 90-100% of lychee borers, and this project will adapt the methodology to mcuh larger scale and provide demonstrations of the possibilities to lychee farmers.