Syngenta TreeCare is an integrated solution for the control red palm weevil comprising a powerful insecticide, precision, closed transfer Tree Micro-Injection device coupled with technical training and marketing support.

Syngenta Tree Micro-Injection can only be carried out by arborists that have been trained by Syngenta on the handling of Aretor and use of its precision, closed transfer micro-injection device. 

It can be very difficult to detect whether palm tree are infested with red palm weevil, particularly at the early stages of infestation. Typical symptoms include frond damage, brown/black oozing (date palms only) and wilted central shoots.

Application by the Syngenta Tree Micro-Injection is best carried out:

• Ornamental palms :
  • March to May in non-irrigated situations
  • March to July in irrigated situation
  • Micro-injection can also be carried out during the autumn September to November
• Date palm plantations:
  • From post harvest (Oct) until 90 days before following harvest (April)

Yes. Only four very small (6mm Ø) are needed to inject palm trees to achieve even distribution. Injection holes are drilled equally spaced around the stipe at breast height for ornamental palms and at ground level for date palms.

The injection holes are drilled to a depth of 1/3 the diameter at breast height (DBH).

Trained operators take every precaution to minimise the risk of infection. Drill bits and the palm injection lance are regularly disinfected with ethanol. After injection the holes are sealed with a plug to prevent infection.

The injection device is programmed to deliver precisely the right amount of product at an exact pressure that will not harm the tree. Only when injection is complete will the device notify the operator to remove the palm lance. In the unlikely event of leaking from an injection holes the product is rapidly degraded by UV light. 

Aretor will give 12 months control of red palm weevil. Therefore palms need to be injected on an annual basis.

There is no evidence of any long-term detrimental effects of tree micro-injection on the health or mechanical strength of trees or palms. 

Preventative applications of Aretor will deliver the best results against red palm weevil.  However, trials have also shown excellent curative activity in date palms.

Aretor is highly effective against the larval and pupal stages of the red palm weevil life-cycle.

The active ingredient in Aretor is emamectin benzoate.

Emamectin benzoate activates the glutamate-gated chloride channels. Nerve transmission to muscle cells is inhibited causing flaccid paralysis.

Once injected, Aretor moves in the xylem upwards towards the crown of the tree. Aretor does not move downwards to the root system/rhizosphere.

Aretor has been approved by several regulatory authorities for eth control of red palm weevil and other tree pests. When applied by Syngenta trained operatives using its precision injection device and in accordance with the product label the regulatory authorities have deemed the risks to operator, non-target organisms and the environment as acceptable.    

Syngenta’s Tree Micro-Injection device has been carefully designed to minimise operator, bystander and environmental exposure to the product. Aretor comes ready to use and the product bottle attaches directly to the injection device thereby negating the need to dilute or decant.