Canada approves TreeAzin Systemic Insecticide

The Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) has approved the sale and use of the Canadian Forest Service’s (CFS) NeemAzal Technical and TreeAzin Systemic Insecticide, containing the technical grade active ingredient azadirachtin, to control emerald ash borer and various insect pests that feed on the foliage of hardwood and softwood trees.

Azadirachtin is the main component of a mixture of chemical compounds with insecticidal properties extracted from seeds of the tropical neem tree (Azadirachta indica). The precise mode of action is unknown; however, azadirachtin does affect insect hormones, interfering with moulting in immature insects and inhibiting reproduction in adult insects. Azadirachtin also has repellant properties, deterring insects from feeding and adult insects from laying eggs on treated plants. Formulated as TreeAzin Systemic Insecticide and injected into the trunks of host trees, it can provide control of emerald ash borer and of various insect pests that feed on the foliage of hardwood and softwood trees. TreeAzin Systemic Insecticide is owned by the Canadian Forest Service and was developed in collaboration with BioForest Technologies Inc., who holds its worldwide license. TreeAzin is distributed by BioForest in Canada and the U.S.