Poplars are widely favored by people due to their rapid growth, adaptability to various environments, and significant economic value. However, as the area of poplar plantations continues to expand, especially in pure forest regions, outbreaks of leaf-eating pests have become increasingly frequent. This has made comprehensive prevention and control of these pests a critical task for maintaining healthy poplar forests.
I. Types of Poplar Leaf-Eating Pests
The main leaf-eating pests affecting poplars include the Yangping Moth, Yangxiao Zhou Moth, Huangtingye Ye, and Yangbaixie. Among these, the first two species typically complete 3 to 4 life cycles per year, while the latter two only produce one generation annually. Understanding the life cycles of these pests is essential for effective management.
II. Characteristics of Poplar Leaf-Eating Pests
These pests tend to appear every year in large numbers, with high egg-laying rates and feeding activity concentrated in groups. They can quickly cause severe damage within just a few days, leading to sudden outbreaks that strip entire trees of their leaves. This results in what is known as the "summer tree, winter scene" phenomenon, where the tree appears lifeless during the growing season. Additionally, these pests remain active throughout most of the leaf-growing period, making them a persistent threat to poplar health.
III. Control Measures
(a) Creating mixed forests: Combining poplar with other tree species such as eucalyptus or tung trees can reduce the risk of pest infestations. Mixed forests not only improve biodiversity but also disrupt the habitat of pests, reducing their population growth.
(b) Manual control: Early detection and intervention are key. Larvae can be manually removed, or insecticides like 25% diflubenzuron can be applied during the hatching stage. A 2500-fold dilution of the solution should be used at a rate of 30-40 grams per acre.
(c) Light trapping: Using blacklights during the peak adult activity period, which usually occurs from early to late July, can effectively capture and reduce the number of adult moths.
(d) Biological control: Encouraging natural predators such as magpies, sparrows, and ladybugs can help manage pest populations. Spraying with cyanobacteria or BT WP (Bacillus thuringiensis) is also an eco-friendly option. Releasing Trichogramma wasps (20,000–40,000 per mu) during the egg-hatching period can significantly reduce pest numbers. Planting flowering plants around poplar groves provides food and shelter for beneficial insects, further supporting biological control efforts.
By implementing a combination of these strategies, it is possible to effectively manage poplar leaf-eating pests and ensure the long-term sustainability of poplar plantations.
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