Page 24 - THEi Student Applied Research Presentations 2025
P. 24
FIELD TRIAL ON PEST CONTROL
FOR PLUMERIA RUBRA IN HZMB
HONG KONG PORT
Poster
TAM Ka Man
BSc (Hons) in Horticulture, Arboriculture and Landscape Management
Department of Construction, Environment and Engineering
OBJECTIVES RESEARCH BACKGROUND
• To investigate the dominated pest Plumeria rubra is a species widely used in Hong Kong as a gardening plant
on Plumeria rubra and street tree. Its eye-catching and fragrant blossoms are the reason why
• To compare the effectiveness landscape design is commonly used. However, pest infestation in Plumeria
of three types of pesticides rubra is very serious, especially in Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB)
application Hong Kong Port. Many landscape maintenance services use chemical and
• To study organic pesticides broad-spectrum pesticides to control the pests due to high cost-effectiveness
effectiveness on Plumeria rubra and instant effect. However, problems such as drug resistance, ecological
• To introduce suitable pest pollution, and health hazards also arise.
management for Plumeria rubra
METHODOLOGY
3 tree groups of 6 to 7 Plumeria rubra were treated with individual 0.75 mg/l
caffeine solution, 10 ml/l neem oil solution, and 1.7 ml/l malathion solution,
respectively. Each pesticide treatment was preformed a total of 3 times, at
5-day intervals, each tree was received 0.67 liters of solution. The control group
serves as a baseline reference to compare against the treatment group.
Insect glue traps were applied each tree 7 days before 1st treatment, and after
3rd treatment to identify the pest species. 15 days observation was conducted
for Apterous Insects (Diaspididae) and Plumeria rubra.
ABOUT THE INVESTIGATOR FINDINGS
As a part-time student working in a Diaspididae is the domain family observed on Plumeria rubra. For the
landscape company, I hold a degree comparison between 4 tree groups, the most effective pesticide was 0.75mg/L
in Environmental Engineering and caffeine solution; the second effective treatment was 1.7ml/L malathion solution;
Management. I completed a second the least effective pesticide was 10ml/L neem oil solution for Diaspididae control
degree at THEi to fulfil my self- on Plumeria rubra.
actualization needs. As a Registered
Tree Management Personnel, I aim Caffeine is a naturally occurring alkaloid that acts as a neurotoxin for many
to apply the knowledge I gain in my insects. For Diaspididae, neurotoxic effects can impair feeding, reproduction,
studies. After studying HALM, I can and mobility, effectively reducing pest populations. Caffeine can also act as an
apply and practice the knowledge I antifeedant, which is particularly effective for Diaspididae. However, Diaspididae
have learned in the landscape field, are covered by scales that block the pesticides from entering the main body.
which is very helpful in solving Familiar practical skills are required to ensure all pests are reached with sprays.
problems and improving work
efficiency. My FYP Supervisor is Dr
Allen ZHANG.
13 Student Applied Research Presentations 2025
