Root uptake, translocation, accumulation and dissipation of the botanical insecticide, azadirachtin, in young spruce trees
Abstract A formulation containing the biopesticide azadirachtin‐A (AZ‐A), extracted from the seeds of neem tree, Azadirachta indica A. Juss, was applied (10 μg/mL) in a nutrient solution (200 mL) to the roots of young spruce trees [Picea glauca (Moench) Voss]. The uptake, translocation, persistence and dissipation of AZ‐A in spruce were studied. The insecticide was taken up by the root system, translocated via xylem vessels and accumulated in the photosynthate sinks (areas of new growth, especially shoots), confirming that AZ‐A is systemic. The peak AZ‐A concentrations (μg/g, fresh weight) in the shoots (5.16 ± 0.73) and needles (2.56 ± 0.31) occurred at 8 and 15 d after treatment, respectively. The AZ‐A concentrations in bark and wood during this period were very low, however they were high in the root samples. The dissipation of AZ‐A from the shoots was rapid compared to other matrices. The initial (0‐d) and final (20‐d) AZ‐A concentrations (μg/mL) in the nutrient solution were 8.99 ± 1.24 and 3.24 + 0....