Effects of Neem Azal T/S and other insecticides against the pistachio psyllid Agonoscena targionii (Licht.) (Homoptera, Psyllidae) under field conditions in Syria

Byline: M.S. Lababidi (1) Abstract: Different concentrations of Neem Azal-T/S, an insect growth regulator (IGR) (antiecdysone) and various other insecticides were tested against the pistachio psyllid (Agonoscena targionii) affecting pistachio (Pistacia vera L.), in northern Syria. From 1997a--a99, three applications were made annually, in April, May, June or July. Results revealed that Neem Azal-T/S, at the rate of 0.5 and 0.7%, Flufenoxuron, Teflubenzuron, and the antagonistic fungus Beauveria bassiana Bals. were highly effective against the psyllid especially on the 1.sup.st and 2.sup.nd nymph instars in the April application. The possibilities of using these pesticides in integrated management against pistachio psyllid in Syria are discussed. Author Affiliation: (1) Dept. Plant Protection, Fac. Agriculture, Aleppo University, P.O. Box 12052, Aleppo, Syria