Leopard Moth "Apple Stem Borer": Risks to Olive Trees and Control Methods

Leopard Moth (Apple Stem Borer): Risks to Olive Trees and Control Methods

The "Leopard Moth" (Apple Stem Borer) is a major pest affecting olive trees, especially in Mediterranean countries and Syria. Its danger lies in the larvae boring tunnels into trunks and branches, leading to tree weakness, branch desiccation, and reduced productivity, potentially killing young saplings.

Integrated Management Program:

Mechanical Control:
- Manual collection and destruction of adult insects.
- Using a metal wire to kill larvae inside their tunnels.
- Injecting tunnels with benzene and sealing them with putty to suffocate larvae.
- Pruning and burning dry or infested branches immediately.
Biological Control:
- Utilizing natural enemies like parasites from the Ichneumonidae family.
- Applying bacterial pesticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis before larvae enter the wood.
Chemical Control:
- Conducting a fall spray (October) using high-penetration insecticides (e.g., Decis or Dimethoate).
- Spraying twice with a 15-day interval when adult insects appear.

Preventive Practices:
Recommended actions include soil tilling, piling soil around the trunk base to prevent insect emergence, and grafting sensitive varieties onto more resistant ones

2/5/2026

Syrian Agricultural Directory

Department of Agricultural Centers in Syria Agricultural Pharmacy Department in Syria Department of Agricultural and Animal Production in Syria Sheep and Livestock Department Honey and Beekeeping Supplies Department Veterinary Clinics and Veterinarians Department Ornamental Plants Department Services Department Veterinary Medicines Department Agricultural Tools and Supplies Department Department of Pesticides and Agricultural Agricultural Seeds Department Agricultural Crops Department Poultry and Supplies Department Agricultural Nurseries Department Fertilizers and Agricultural Pharmaceuticals Department

List of subscribers

visitor

سوريا حالة الطقس