Systemic applications of neem in the control ofCameraria ohridella, a pest of horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)

Systemic injection of neem (azadirachtin) was tested in the control of horse chestnut leafminer,Cameraria ohridella Deschka & Dimic (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), a pest of horse chestnut trees (Aesculus hippocastanum L.: Hippocastanaceae). Three concentrations, 0.08, 0.15 and 0.25 g of active ingredient (a.i.) per cm of diameter at breast height (dbh), provided long-lasting insecticidal activity. The 0.15 and 0.25 g a.i. concentrations resulted in 100% pupae reduction in all generations; the 0.08 g a.i. concentration was effective against the horse chestnut leafminer for at least 23 weeks and led to 70–80% pupae reduction. Treated trees did not lose their leaves before winter. Neem applicationvia injection is cheap, with no environmental hazards, and thus this treatment is recommended for the control ofC. ohridella in horse chestnut trees.