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ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PHAUDA
FLAMMANS WALKER (LEPIDOPTERA:
ZYGAENIDAE) PEST CONTROL METHODS IN
DIFFERENT BANYAN TREE MANAGEMENT
ORGANIZATIONS
ABSTRACT Poster
RESEARCH BACKGROUND
The integration of pest control strategies is crucial for the prosperity of agriculture,
horticulture, and arboriculture. However, the effectiveness of these strategies is often
LAU YAT LAI impeded by knowledge gaps, a prevalent issue in Hong Kong. Here, banyan trees face
ongoing damage due to persistent gnawing caused by Phauda flammans, highlighting
BSc (Hons) in Horticulture, the need for effective control measures. Phauda flammans, a lepidopteran insect,
Arboriculture and Landscape primarily feed on leaves of Ficus spp., particularly targeting Ficus microcarpa, Ficus
Management benjamina, Ficus altissima, and other Ficus species shrubs in Hong Kong. Despite the
Department of Construction, efforts of tree management organizations, finding effective solutions for this specific
Environment and Engineering pest problem remains challenging.
METHODOLOGY
OBJECTIVES The methodology involves the identification and selection of 75 banyan trees from diverse
management departments through monthly assessments. The research endeavors to
This study evaluates the effectiveness of explore previous occurrences, preventive and control strategies, examination of local
pest control methods targeting Phauda environmental ecology, and utilization of data to deduce pest conditions.
flammans in Banyan Tree management
organizations. It investigates the FINDINGS
impact of physical control measures Notably, the findings indicate favorable outcomes for tape-based physical control
and monitors environmental variables techniques on banyan trees, while the effectiveness of burlap pads remains uncertain.
by assessing Ficus tree crown densities Furthermore, adverse weather conditions have been observed to gradually reduce pest
in different regions of Tin Shui Wai. densities and mitigate tree damage, underscoring the significance of incorporating
Through this research, valuable insights environmental factors into pest control strategies.
are gained regarding the management
of this destructive pest, providing ABOUT THE INVESTIGATOR
practical knowledge for effective control
strategies. I'm a passionate individual who places great importance on acquiring knowledge and
approaches my work with utmost dedication. When I have free time, I enjoy stargazing,
cycling, and fishing. I always believe that working and learning are the foundation of
personal and professional growth. Looking ahead, I aspire to pursue a master's degree
and forge a career in the government sector. I am convinced this path will provide
invaluable growth opportunities and enable me to contribute meaningfully to society.
My FYP supervisor: Miss Gabriella LEUNG
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