Banana Weevil Borer pests lay their eggs between the leaf sheaths and stems as well as around the corm Shield® Insecticide from Sumitomo Chemical is a systemic solution that quickly penetrates the plant, ready for ingestion by weevil borers. Research (graph) shows an advantage over other products. Photo courtesy of Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
Put Up Your Shield®
One of the most difficult and devastating pests in banana plantations is the banana corm weevil borer, also known as the root borer. These insect pests lay their eggs between the leaf sheaths and stems as well as around the corm. The newly-hatched larva bores its way down to the corm, feeding along the way and weakening the plant’s root structure, making it very susceptible to wind blow-down.
Shield® Insecticide from Sumitomo is a systemic solution that quickly penetrates the plant, ready for ingestion by weevil borers. The mode of action of Shield® brings about interference in the transmission of nerve impulses among target pests and research has shown long-term efficacy.
Shield® activity is unaffected by soil type and the product has low toxicity to many non-target species and low toxicity to mammals.
To make the most your Shield®, apply to the base of a follower plant when they reach a height of about 1.5 meters to the throat of the plant (base of the central cigar leaf). For best results, apply within one month of the mother plant being harvested or of nurse suckering. Avoid applying if heavy rain is expected within 24 hours.
It’s best to alternate Shield® with a product from a different group to reduce the possibility of developing resistance. Always read and follow label directions.