Pest Control for Sago Palm

[tzestan]

I have this sago palm for many years. New shoots are always attacked by caterpillars of a small butterfly species. During early new leaf flush, I can protect the shoots by covering it with a softdrink bottle. The bottom of bottle is cut and covering the upward growing shoots.

As the shoots mature, the bottle is removed. But young leaves are still vulnerable to caterpillars. Over the 1.5 weeks while leaves harden, it is a laborious work hand picking caterpillars. About 50-100 eggs and caterpillars need to be removed daily!

This is manageable at small plant. But now, next flush will generate more than 50 leaf stalks. Hand picking caterpillar will be too time consuming. I am looking for a better pest control method. How are other growers keep this pest under control?

[zulteh279]

have u ever consider using pesticide?

[tzestan]

Yes, I am considering. But I don't know which type will work to control this butterfly. I am a bit hesitant to use those spray type because there are some vegetables grown nearby. Anyone familiar with systemic pesticide? Those that get absorb through roots.

[zulteh279]

Any pesticide that contain an AI of cypermethrin or chlorophyrifos or a mixture of both would do,this is a spray type.As for the absorption thru roots i'm not sure if there are any coz from what i know that only apply to herbicide.But i do know there's a pesticide that apply by drilling a hole to the trunk of a palm tree and inject the chemical directly into the plants.This only applied to palm oil trees,but i guess can be use for sago palm to...the only thing u should know is this is a class 1A chemical,compared to paraquat of only class 1B...the spraying type is in class 2.