Advancements in emamectin benzoate trunk injection technology for management of pine wilt disease in China

Pine wilt disease is a multi-component ecological disease system caused by infection with Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, spread by vector insects, and influenced by both environmental conditions and human activities. This disease causes devastating damage to pine forest resources, forest ecosystems, and regional socioeconomic systems. Trunk injection is an effective and safe technique for the prevention and control of pine wilt disease, among which the emamectin benzoate injectable formulation has shown significant effects due to its safety, high efficacy, and environmental friendliness. This paper systematically reviews the practical prevention and control efforts against pine wilt disease in China, elaborates on the mechanisms of action from the perspectives of trunk injection technology and the chemical properties of emamectin benzoate, summarizes the relevant formulation of emamectin benzoate injectables, and describes the control effects of both emamectin benzoate alone and its compound formulations in practical applications. Finally, prospects are discussed in terms of application strategies, formulation innovation, and the development of compound formulations of emamectin benzoate for the control of pine wilt disease, aiming to provide a reference for the management of pine wilt disease.