Study of insecticide translocation in coconut palm trees after using pressurized endotherapy

Abstract

Alternative techniques for applying agricultural products, such as pressurized endotherapy, have shown promise in pest and disease control in coconut palms (Cocos nucifera Linn.). In this work, azadirachtin and abamectin were applied by pressurized endotherapy to control Brassolis sophorae. Twelve different treatments were carried out, and in all of them, at least one plant had the larvae completely dead four and five days after endotherapeutic applications, and all the others died within the next few hours. Leaf and fruit analyses were performed to determine the concentration over time. High concentrations of abamectin were observed after 15 and 30 days on leaves when applied in larger volumes. In fruits, no residue was found regardless of the applied concentration. Analytical methods were developed and validated for leaves and fruits to analyze insecticide residues using LC-MS/MS and modified QuEChERS acetate according to SANTE/11813/2017 guidelines. The insecticide translocation tests in the leaves and the high mortality of insects showed that pressurized endotherapy is a technique to be considered for future studies in controlling B. sophorae in coconut palm trees.