Alternative reduced risk insecticides for the management of the stone fruit borer complex in tart cherry production

The stone fruit borer complex is a group of several species which includes the American plum borer (Euzophera seminfuneralis), lesser peach tree borer (Synanthedon pictipes), and peach tree borer (Synanthedon exitiosa) that damage the cambium of stone fruit trees such as tart cherry and peach. Chlorpyrifos and several related broad-spectrum insecticides have been the traditional management control of this species complex. The current ban of these insecticides due to concerns of environmental and human health effects has left growers without alternative registered active ingredients for management of this species complex. In this study, we determine effective alternative insecticides in field experiments to control the stone fruit borer complex species and investigate the spatial and temporal movement of these compounds in tart cherry tree trunks. Preliminary data show varying patterns of chemical penetration among insecticide classes, and gradual residue degradation over time within trunk tissues. In addition to providing options and information for growers to make informed-based insecticide choices, results of this research will elucidate how these active ingredients move within trees and over time to optimize spraying regimes.