Seraj, A.A. 1999 [Injection of insecticides into tree trunks: a new method for the control of citrus pests.]. Iranian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 30(1): 121-128.

Notes: An experiment was undertaken to determine the effect of injection of Metasystox [demeton-S-methyl] into lime tree stems, (Citrus aurantifolia Christm.), in spring 1997. Mean percent of citrus leaf mined areas Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillaridae) per leaf of 1-, 5-, and 20-year-old trees, respectively, were as follows (first week after injection): injected trees: 4, 3.5 and 6.2%. control trees: 45, 43 and 35%. Mean numbers of the citrus oriental mite Eutetranychus orientalis Klein (Acarina: Tetranychidae) per leaf of 5- and 20-year-old trees were as follows: injected trees: 0, 0. control trees: 3, 2. The mean numbers of the southern mealybug, Nipaecoccus viridis New., were as follows: injected trees: 0, 0. control trees: 2.5, 1.1. The treatments showed little phytotoxicity. The injection of insecticide was more effective on young trees than old ones. The technique for injecting water-soluble insecticides into tree stems is described. Ordinary disposable plastic syringes, which can be used repeatedly, are used. The advantages of this type of treatment compared with conventional spray techniques are: the application and absorption of the required dosage of insecticide takes only a few minutes per trees; as the entire plant system is poisoned all insects, including those in the most concealed hiding places, can be reached. In this way it should be possible to target particular pests and diseases. In some pests the chances of reinfestation after treatment should be reduced considerably, as survival of some individuals after normal spraying is usually the main cause of reinfestation. If reinfestation occurs subsequently from outside, natural enemies will be able to attack the pest unhindered as no insecticide residues will be present on the tree.