What's New in Research
Another new exotic pest has invaded, this time in Hawaii, called the Erythrina Gall Wasp (EGW), found in 2005. The tiny wasp lays eggs in tender leaves and stems of several species of Erythrina also called tigers claw, Indian coral tree, and wiliwili-haole, a common landscape tree. The developing larvae induce the formation of galls that result in leaf deformation, loss of growth and ultimately, defoliation and death of trees.
Arborjet was contacted by the US Forest Service asking us to participate in trials using our Tree I.V. system and IMA-jet formulation. Preliminary trials have demonstrated that insecticides containing the active ingredient, imidacloprid are effective against the pest. The University of Hawaii is also interested in conducting trials using systemic tree injection to evaluate efficacy. The arrival of this pest is of major concern not only because it threatens the urban landscape of Hawaii, but species bio-diversity and the eco-system as well. Results from the trials look promising and will be available at the end of the year. For more information visit: http://www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa/npa/npa05-03-EGW.pdf
