Inhibition of larval growth and adult fecundity in Asian long-horned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) exposed to azadirachtins under quarantine laboratory conditions

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Asian long-horned beetle [ALB; Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky)] is an invasive, wood-boringinsect posing significant economic and ecological threats to the deciduous forests of North America. An efficacious andenvironmentally acceptable chemical control technique is a requirement of a comprehensive, integrated response strategy.RESULTS: Results of this study demonstrate statistically significant, concentration-dependent effects of azadirachtins, a familyof natural compounds derived f rom the neem tree, on both ALB larval and adult life stages. Growth inhibitory effects on ALBlarvae were greatest on early life stages. Significant effects on adults included inhibition of female feeding, oviposition effortand fecundity for adults exposed to azadirachtins via maturation feeding on systemically loaded twigs.CONCLUSION: These quarantine laboratory experiments verify multi-mechanistic, deleterious effects on both larval and adultlife stages of ALB, an exotic, invasive insect pest of critical importance in North America. Field efficacy studies are requiredto further understand dose acquisition by larval and adult ALB life stages following systemic injections to host trees undersemi-operational use scenarios. Such studies could also be used to test postulates regarding optimal deployment strategiesto meet objectives such as slowing the spread of this pest and protection of high-value deciduous forest resources.