Integrated management approaches for Cimbex quadrimaculata Control and yield recovery in Italian Almond Groves

Abstract:

Effective management of Cimbex quadrimaculata Müller (Hymenoptera: Cimbicidae) in almond orchards requires integrated approaches combining multiple tactics to achieve economically viable pest suppression while minimizing environmental impact. This research evaluated the efficacy of four management strategies mechanical larval removal, botanical insecticide application (neem-based formulation), pheromone-based trapping, and an integrated approach combining all three methods compared to untreated controls in Sicilian almond groves during the 2025 growing season. Experiments were conducted across 15 orchards encompassing three predominant Italian cultivars (Tuono, Fascionello, and Pizzuta d'Avola). The integrated approach achieved the highest larval reduction rate (78.4 ± 6.2%), significantly exceeding all individual methods (p<0.001). Corresponding yield recovery under the integrated regime reached 72.8% of potential yield compared to untreated controls. Botanical spray application alone produced the second most effective larval reduction (61.3 ± 7.1%) with 56.7% yield recovery. Cost-benefit analysis demonstrated favorable economic returns for the integrated approach despite higher implementation costs (€210/ha), with a benefit-cost ratio of 3.42. These results establish the integrated management framework as the most effective and economically justified strategy for C. quadrimaculata control in Italian almond production.