Diafenthiuron In Fruit Tree Pest Management

Diafenthiuron is a widely used phenylurea insecticide effective against a broad range of sucking pests in fruit trees, including aphids, red spider mites, and scale insects. Its mode of action involves inhibiting mitochondrial electron transport, which disrupts energy production in pests, leading to rapid mortality. Diafenthiuron is commonly applied as a foliar spray on apple, citrus, pear, and grape trees to protect crops from infestations that reduce yield and fruit quality. It offers good systemic and residual activity while exhibiting low toxicity to beneficial insects, making it suitable for integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Proper application timing and dosage are essential to maximize effectiveness and minimize the risk of resistance development.