ORNAMENTALS

You’re at the heart of an industry worth £1.4 billion, with hardy nursery stock increasing in value (Defra, 2020) and stable consumer purchasing levels of flowers and houseplants in 2021 (Mintel).

Certis Belchim have what you need to continue to make the most of opportunities – targeted fungicides and insecticides to keep your crops in peak marketable condition throughout the year, and advice and expertise to use our products to best effect.

You do everything to control infections in your ornamental crops. However, it can be challenging to ventilate indoor environments, resulting in increased fungal spore development.

Along with damaging powdery mildew, Botrytis (grey mould) is a threat. It’s usually a problem in humid environments and spreads rapidly in modern high-density production systems. Together, these diseases can wipe out more than 20% of ornamental-sector crops if left unchecked.

Over recent years growers have lost several key products to control both diseases, leading to increased management time and impact on crop quality. That’s why Certis Belchim fungicides are so valuable.

The bigger picture

If you grow pot and bedding plants, for example, we recommend you treat for Botrytis as early as possible and gain systemic protection from day one. Use an SDHI seven to ten days after potting to protect the crops and encourage root growth.

Why Amylo-X WG

Use Amylo-X WG to prevent a range of fungal diseases, but especially Botrytis and powdery mildew. As part of its EAMU (0428/2019) for outdoor and protected ornamentals, it also controls Pythium spp.Rhizoctonia spp. and downy mildew.

A biofungicide, Amylo-X WG contains 250 g/kg Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp. Plantarum strain D747 in a water-dispersible granule. Ideal for ICM systems, it offers a low risk of resistance and no MRLs. There are no restrictions on handling or re-entry periods, so Amylo-X WG can be used right up to sale of crops.

Modes of action

Amylo-X WG provides a unique combination of two MoAs. Simply, the active colonises leaves, roots and other plant surfaces to compete with the pathogen for space. The bacterium activates the plant’s natural defences to produce anti-fungal compounds, enhancing resistance and tolerance.

With around 30-plus lipopeptides, and acting on lipids and membrane synthesis, the active suppresses pathogenic organisms and prevents spore germination.

How it works: Amylo-X WG’s dual biofungicide/bactericide modes of action.

How and when to apply

Amylo-X WG is excellent as part of a block spray programme and is compatible with several tank-mixes: Signum (boscalid + pyraclostrobin), Switch (cyprodinyl + fludioxonil), Prestop (Gliocladium catenulatum J 1446) and Contans WG (Coniothyrium minitans).

Apply after an SDHI as a protectant as the plant begins to grow. The best timing is March to October for outdoor crops and all year round for protected crops with a seven-day interval between applications. You can make up to six treatments per year with a maximum 2.5 kg/ha individual dose. Apply using broadcast air assisted sprayers, hydraulic pressure sprayers or hand- trailed lance sprayers in a water volume of 200-1,500 litres.

Typical programme – protected crops:

Easter may affect programme depending on dispatch date

Proof

Why Frupica SC

Thoroughly proven, crop-safe and with EAMU approval (1294/2019) for ornamentals, Frupica SC will enable you to maintain foliar and flower quality by preventing Botrytis and powdery mildew – in fact, it can become the mainstay of a thorough preventative approach. You’ll also have flexibility with other remaining fungicides.

Frupica SC controls Diplocarpon rosae (black spot) in roses. It’s also the only fungicide in FRAC 9 with activity on Botrytis and incidental control of powdery mildew in one active. Frupica SC is particularly effective on powdery mildew genera that affect ornamentals including Phlox, Rosemary, Rose (Sphaerotheca) and Delphinium, Gypsophila, Poinsettia and Aster (Erysiphe).

You’ll find Frupica SC is a useful tank-mix option with curative products such as Karma and Takumi SC as well as insecticides including Majestik, Applaud 25 SC, Gazelle SG, Azatin and Botanigard WP.

Mode of action

Frupica SC’s unique MoA provides five days’ residual activity. It prevents initial penetration of pathogens by stopping the formation of haustoria in the leaf (part of the pathogen that attaches to the plant and is the mechanism that draws water and nutrients from the host).

It also prevents germ tube elongation. This is vital; the resulting fungal growth from Botrytis is easily detectable early in an infection, quickly rendering crops unsaleable.

Frupica SC’s active, mepanipyrim (440 g/litre), is an anilinopyrimidine that works on contact with the plant. Its MoA reduces mycelium growth and sporulation of conidia, while being shown to have little or no cross-resistance.

This is achieved by preventing and disturbing the formation of haustoria and inhibiting:

  • Amino acid (methionine) production
  • Production of hydrolytic enzymes (pectinase)
  • Transport of nutrients from plant to fungus

By acting on key sites, Frupica SC prevents diseases such as powdery mildew decaying the plant material and drawing nutrients necessary for survival

Flexible in use

Some fungicides for ornamentals, such as strobs, have restrictions on use or need to be applied at specific temperature or humidity levels.

Frupica SC has no such problems:

You can apply with hand-held equipment
It’s non-systemic with short persistence on foliage
Make up to two applications per crop with no handling restriction
Be sure to apply Frupica SC on outdoor crops from 15 May to September 30 and after BBCH49 on flowering plants.

Excellent crop safety

With its contact and locally-systemic preventative action, it allows beneficials to develop. And, unlike WP (wettable powder) or WG (water-dispersible granule) products, improves cosmetic appearance by not leaving unwanted visible spray deposits.

You can rely on Frupica’s safe SC formulation. No phytotoxic effects have been seen on 32 popular ornamental plant species:

1. Begonia

10. Ficus

20. Primula
Cv. Davova

29. Ajuga

2. Caluna
var Arran gold

11. Forsythis x intermedia
var. Week-End ‘Courtalyn’

21. Rhododendron (Azalea japonica)
Var. ‘Peggy Anne’

30. Heuchera

3. Calluna cv. Orange queen

12. Helianthemum

22. Azalea

31. Sedum

4. Camellia japonica ‘Black Lace’

13. Hydrangea macrophylla (Hortensia) var

23. Rose

32. English Lavender

5. Chrysanthemum

14. Hydrangea
var Mathilda Gutges

24. Solidago

33. Rudbeckia

6. Cyclamen

15. Philadelphus coronaries
var ‘Aureus’

25. Viburnum

 

7. Delphinium

16. Impatiens

26. Viburnum x bodnantense

 

8. Elaegnus x ebbingei

17. Kalanchoe

27. Vinca

 

9. Erica carnea ‘Vivelli’

18 . Honeysuckle (Lonicera hispidula)

28. Weigela florid
a var. ‘Variegata’

 

Ideal for macrobiologicals and IPM

With limited persistence on foliage and a strong IOBC profile, Frupica SC ensures natural predators, beneficial insects and bees stay healthy and active. This makes it perfect for integrated spray programmes.

How and when to apply

Frupica SC is contact and preventative, so you need to ensure adequate crop coverage (500-1,000 L/ha). In general, use the maximum rate of 0.9 L/ha, particularly in high-risk crops or situations. Frupica SC’s EAMU covers protected and outdoor ornamentals, 15 May-30 September.

Autumn/winter

Applying Frupica SC

  • Start your programme early and include one application of Frupica SC in September and a second from mid-October
  • Consider reducing your spray water volume per ha to 500-600 L/ha for greater efficacy
  • Always spray in the morning and give enough daylight hours for leaves to dry out to ensure penetration
  • If you use overhead irrigation, consider adjuvants, including stickers; these help keep Frupica SC on the leaf
  • Also consider super-spreaders and wetters to ensure Frupica SC covers the leaf surface. This is particularly important in dense canopies that are harder to penetrate and ornamental plants with hairy leaf structures or waxy leaves
  • Apply a high-potassium-content fertiliser (High K foliar feed) with Frupica SC around November; as with Karma, this will strengthen leaf cell walls and improve the plant’s tolerance to Botrytis (vital when it becomes harder for leaves to dry out during the day)

Typical programme into winter:

Winter/spring/summer

Spray for Botrytis every seven to ten days and once every 21 days for powdery mildew from the end of January to July. This is possible because Frupica SC has been shown to be safe against leaf damage and flower buds.

Apply before first flower buds appear and bud break begins. Frupica SC’s 12-day persistence, safety and lack of deposits mean that you can use it before dispatch.

There’s no problem if you have hard water: Frupica SC is stable pH5.0-pH9.0 without loss of efficacy.

Typical programme:

Indoors, use Karma mid-January and an SDHI at the start of February. Outdoors, start the programme from April.

Easter may affect programme depending on dispatch date.

Proof

Frupica SC in strawberry

Suppression of Colletotrichum acutatum (black spot)

Elsanta: Sonen Breugel, Belgium
L.S.D. 5.424 (se 2.48 df 12)

Frupica SC in cyclamen

Botrytis suppression

Good practice tips

Hygiene

  • Keep Botrytis in check with good cultural control:
  • Ensure susceptible species stay on the dry side
  • Do not use excess nitrogen
  • Create good air movement throughout the crop; ventilate with fans
  • Space plants out sufficiently
  • Bag up severely infected plants in situ and remove to prevent spores spreading to other plants
  • When necessary apply fungicide sprays on a drying day, ideally in the morning, so the crop does not sit wet overnight
  • Regularly clear up fallen leaves and flowers, as these will harbour Botrytis spores

Temperature

Remember that systemic actives will not work below 8˚C, so use as early as possible. Similarly, don’t spray any fungicides below 3˚C.

PGRs

Consider plant growth regulators as part of your ongoing fungicide programme; these can help improve Botrytis tolerance.

Why Karma

Use Karma to tackle powdery mildew in your protected and outdoor ornamentals (EAMU 3338/2019). A contact eradicant, Karma is ideal for ICM systems: it’s based on potassium hydrogen carbonate (an approved food additive), so there are no residues or MRLs to worry about.

If you grow crops in tunnels or glasshouses, depending on the species or type of plant, an application of Karma is useful to dry out spores on leaves in winter.

Karma is also a great addition to your Botrytis programme as a final curative spray. Use it as a follow-on to hit any underlying grey mould and dry out remaining spores.

Mode of action

Karma enhances resistance management through multi-stage activity.

It inhibits mycelial growth and causes total collapse of spores. Karma helps prevent infection by disrupting the release of hydrolytic enzymes used by fungi to infect plants, as well as strengthening leaf cell walls to improve tolerance to disease.

In addition, powerful built-in surfactants promote efficacy, coverage and rain-fastness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Untreated powdery mildew mycelium                                                                          Treated powdery mildew mycelium 

How and when to apply

You can make up to eight applications per crop, at a maximum individual dose of 3 kg/ha, until one day before harvest. Apply using conventional hydraulic sprayers or hand-held sprayers in a minimum water volume of 400 litres of water per hectare.

Typical programme:

Easter may affect programme depending on dispatch date

See how Karma squeezes the life out of powdery mildew

Click to view animation on YouTube (strawberries)

Treated mycelium.

Why Takumi SC

Use Takumi SC primarily to prevent powdery mildew right up to dispatch and by doing so protect the plant right through to the retail shelf. It has a one-day harvest interval, with excellent crop safety and no residues, and is therefore acceptable for IPM. You’ll find Takumi SC as a suspension concentrate formulation containing 100g/L cyflufenamid.

Mode of action

Takumi SC has dual activity against powdery mildew. It’s contact and translaminar for long-term protection of treated crops; at higher temperatures, Takumi SC also offers vapour movement to reach powdery mildew across the whole plant.

See how it works here:

Click to view animation on YouTube (strawberries)

How and when to apply

Takumi SC actually gives you two opportunities to target powdery mildew within a programme. You can spray twice per crop with seven days between applications (but avoid consecutive applications – follow FRAC guidelines and see EAMU 2013/1294).

Apply using a conventional tractor-mounted boom sprayer or as a handheld sprayer in a water volume of 500-1,500 litres. This wide water volume range is an advantage: it allows you to control the primary powdery mildew inoculum with tailored concentrations for the greatest efficacy with least waste.

Easter may affect programme depending on dispatch date

Learn more

We’ve plenty of ways to help:

Talk to your advisor or distributor.
Read key Karma, Amylo-X, Takumi SC and Frupica SC details.
Contact our technical experts on 0845 373 0305 or send us this quick form.
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Pests in your ornamentals can be costly – it’s estimated that the industry loses around 18% of the national crop worth more than £25 m a year through infestations by insects (source: HTA).

Of course, problems can go further than unwelcome attacks. You don’t want, for example, the threat of a ban due to whitefly in imported plants or from species in your own greenhouse.

Fortunately, Certis has a solution – and all the expertise you need – to control all the key pests that could affect your business.

Why Applaud 25 SC

Use Applaud 25 SC to control all whitefly species, particularly tobacco (Bemisia tabaci) and glasshouse (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) whitefly, in your protected ornamentals with no harvest interval.

Applaud 25 SC also has activity on mealy bugs (Pseudococcdiae), soft scales and leaf hoppers (Hermipterous spp.). It contains 250 g/litre buprofezin in a suspension concentrate formulation.

You’ll discover that Applaud 25 SC fits well with IPM systems; however, take care to use it in strict programmes to avoid resistance. In addition, its SC formulation is kind to the plants and risk of phytotoxicity is low.

Mode of action

Applaud 25 SC controls whitefly on contact and via ingestion, with lasting activity.

A combined chitin synthesis inhibitor with a hormone-disturbing effect and an insect growth regulator (IGR), it targets immature pest stages – eggs, pupae and nymphs – lethally disrupting larval moulting.

The result is high nymph mortality, reduced egg viability and lower adult emergence. Surviving treated adults lay sterile eggs, further reducing the pest population.

In addition, Applaud 25 SC reaches hidden pests with vapour activity (sublimation) at higher temperatures for thorough control. To encourage this vapour action using crop covers following application, we recommend you retain the volatile spray mixture to reach the pest where it’s most difficult with standard sprays.

While Applaud 25 SC aids pest lifecycle management, due to IGR activity results are slow to appear; you should determine efficacy after longer periods than with knockdown insecticides.

Strong beneficial safety

Applaud 25 SC has low impact on beneficials and is highly compatible with macrobiologicals. preferably in an IPM system. Use one application soon after potting to achieve a pest-predator balance and a second application 22 days later to finish close to dispatch with Gazelle, which covers all common aphid species and both species of whitefly, with no harvest interval.

Where macrobiologicals are not integrated, we recommend alternating Gazelle with Applaud, Majestik and Botanigard bioinsecticides. Apply at the first sign of insect attack, with a second application after 22 days as close as possible to dispatch.

Some specifics:

Parasites

Aphidus

Dacnusa Sibirica

Diglyphus isaea

Encarsia formosa

Leptomastix

Tricogramma

Predators

Aphidoletetes aphidimyza – SH

Amblyseilus cucumeris

Crysoperla

Cryptolaemus – MH adults

Anthocorids-A. nemoralis

Phytoseilus persimils

How and when to apply

Use a maximum 80 ml/100 L of water and 1,250 L of water per hectare. You can make two applications per crop with a minimum 22 days between sprays; however, avoid consecutive sprays.

As Applaud 25 SC works on contact, ensure good coverage.

Proof

Applaud 25 SC in larvae:

Why Azatin

Use Azatin to control western flower thrips and onion thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis and Thrips tabaci) in protected ornamentals – including perennials, floristry plants, tree/forest nursery and roses grown in substrate – with good crop safety.

In fact, it’s the only azadirachtin product approved in the UK for use in ornamentals under permanent protection with full enclosure.

Containing 217 g/L azadirachtin (formulated to achieve a concentration of 26 g/L azadirachtin-A) in an emulsifiable concentrate (EC), Azatin provides insect growth regulation (IGR) and repellency (IRAC UN).

A biorational, Azatin is ideal for IPM systems (you should use it as part of a programme) and can be integral to your resistance management strategy.

Mode of action

Derived from neem tree extract, Azatin’s active mainly controls thrip larval stages and acts on ingestion and is also an antifeedant. Azadirachtin is partially systemic on some host plants, providing complete coverage of the plant and targeting the pest in difficult-to-reach areas.

Azatin is also antifeedant. This means that while you may see pests on the plant, visible damage is reduced. In addition, as it has IGR properties, the effects of control may occur more slowly than with a knockdown pesticide.

How and when to use

You can make up to five blocks of four applications per year, with 42 days between blocks. Allow a minimum seven days between individual applications.

Dose rates:

Ornamental plants grown under cover: 1.4 L/ha (140 ml product per 100 litres water, using 1,000 L/ha water volume)

Roses grown on substrate under cover: 1.68 L/ha (140 ml product per 100 litres water using 1,200 L/ha water volume)

It’s advisable to carry out a small-scale application to ensure safety on specific crops before moving to full-scale treatment.

Beneficials: exclude all pollinators during and post application – Ensure treated area is fully dry before reintroducing bees (IOBC classification where 1=<25% impact, 2=25-50% impact, 3=50-75%, 4=>75%+ impact).

Timing: thrips numbers tend to increase on pot mums (potted chrysanthemums) during August and September, causing damage to flowers, so this is a good point to start treatment.

As always, refer to the product label before use and consult your advisor.

Good crop safety

Phytotoxicity tests and expert judgement have shown that Azatin is safe for use on covered floriculture crops, tree nursery and perennial crops.

Netherlands crop safety experience:
Safe application on Rose, Chrysanthemum, Gerbera, Ficus, Begonia
Saintpaulia flowers may be affected; cyclamen may show temporary but acceptable spray deposits

Key: Safe [green]
Temporary spotting (yellow/green]

Strong beneficial profile

Azatin keeps your beneficials healthy and allows you to introduce them quickly after application.

Proof

In one trial, Azatin was shown to give comparable WFT larvae control to the standard treatment in a flowering chrysanthemum crop. Azatin gave 56.9% control of WFT larvae, while thiamethoxam treatment gave 59.0% control vs. untreated (RSK/ADAS Boxworth Bioassay Trial 2016).

In a further trial (SCEPTREplus verbena trial, 2018), Azatin gave over 90% reduction in WFT adults and larvae/flower and 80% reduction in flower damage.

Western Flower Thrips controlled by Azatin in a UK bioassay trial.

Why Botanigard WP

Use Botanigard WP to control the larval stages of whitefly in your ornamental plants and nursery fruit trees under permanent protection with full enclosure.

It’s a proven microbiological pesticide formulated as a wettable powder containing 220 g/kg of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana strain GHA, which is particularly aggressive. Beauveria bassiana works on contact. Consequently, it can attack a range of insects including thrips, spider mites, aphids and some beetle species. A direct spray may also provide incidental control of vine weevil adults.

Lifecycle protection

Botanigard WP is perfect for IPM and ICM systems, with low potential for resistance due to its mode of action – see next section). It’s particularly effective under high whitefly pressure and at the 1st-4th whitefly larval stages. But use Botanigard WP alongside maltodextrin-based Majestik you’ll discover improved efficacy and kill adults as well as scales.

Targeted control of the whitefly lifecycle

You can also team Botanigard WP with Azatin and other tank-mix partners including pyrimethanil or azoxystrobin and biofungicides containing Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. However, download and check this compatibility list, consult your advisor and contact Certis for confirmation.

Mode of action

Unlike bacterial and viral pathogens of insects, Beauveria bassiana doesn’t need to be ingested.

It’s found naturally in soils and occurs as white muscadine disease in insects. When the fungal spores come in contact with the cuticle of susceptible insects, they germinate and grow directly through the cuticle to the inner body of the host. The fungus proliferates throughout the insect’s body, producing toxins, draining the insect of nutrients, eventually killing it.

Once the fungus has killed its host, it grows back out through the softer portions of the cuticle, covering the insect with a layer of white mould (hence ‘white muscadine’). This may take several days. The mould then produces millions of new infective spores (ascospores) that are released to the environment to find the next host.

                          White muscadine disease                                                  Germinated spores of Beauveria bassiana GHA

How and when to use

Before you start, download and check the Botanigard WP product label and this Best-practice guide.

In general, though, begin application when pest numbers are low. You can make five applications per crop or 25 applications per glasshouse per year. These must be five-seven days apart.

Due to its contact action, ensure good crop coverage – until plants are thoroughly wet but without run-off.

Spray in the evening or under screens when relative humidity is >70% at application and for a further five-six hours. Avoid high UV levels.

Application rates:

Ornamentals (except roses): max concentration (g/100 L) – 62.5; max water volume (L/ha) –1,200; maximum individual dose (kg product/ha) – 0.75

Roses: max concentration (g/100 L) – 62.5; max water volume (L/ha) –1,500; maximum individual dose (kg product/ha) – 0.94

Nursery fruit trees: max concentration (g/100 L) – 62.5; max water volume (L/ha) –1,000; maximum individual dose (kg product/ha) – 0.63

Proof

Several trials demonstrate Botanigard WP’s effectiveness:

– MOPS research (2016) confirmed a tank-mix with Majestik killed WFT on pot mum and improved control by Neoseiulus cucumeris on verbena

– AMBER research (2016) showed a tank-mix with Majestik gave good control of WFT on commercial pot mum equal to control by nematodes

– MOPS research (2016) showed a tank-mix with Majestik reduced numbers of Aphis gossypii on Hebe

Why Gazelle SG

Use Gazelle SG for on-label control of aphid and whitefly species in your outdoor and protected ornamentals.

Gain additional control of sap/plant-chewing and sucking pests such as leafminers (specific species), leafhoppers, mealybugs, beetles and weevils (specific species), leaf midge, scale insects, fly species (e.g. cherry sawfly, columbine sawfly and sciarid fly adults), capsids and some caterpillar species.

At the same time, be sure of low impact on beneficials such as predatory mites that are valuable in controlling difficult pests, and on other species in programmes at pre-flowering stage – all of which makes Gazelle SG a great fit for IPM.

Mode of action

A broad-spectrum neonicotinyl insecticide containing (20% w/w) acetamiprid, Gazelle SG reacts with the pest’s nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nACh-R), causing hyperactivity and muscle spasms and, eventually, death.

How and when to apply

Apply Gazelle SG at the first sign of insect attack. If necessary, make a second application at least 20 days after the first, with a maximum two per crop. Apply at no lower than the rate specified to ensure good control and prevent the likelihood of resistance build-up. Be sure to cover foliage thoroughly for good control and apply the spray at fine/medium quality.

Outdoor ornamentals

Application rate:

Aphids: 250 g/ha in a water volume of up to 1,000-1,500 L/ha

Protected ornamentals

Application rate:

Aphids: 250 g/ha in a water volume of up to 1,000 L/ha

Whitefly:500 g/ha in a water volume of up to 1,000 L/ha

Why Majestik

Use Majestik (also known in the UK as Eradicoat) to control spider mites in all your ornamental crops, outdoor and protected. You’ll also control whitefly eggs and adults, with some reduction of aphids (limited data).

You’ll discover that Majestik is a fast-acting bioinsecticide containing (49% w/w) maltodextrin in a soluble concentrate (SL) formulation. Based on a naturally-derived food additive, it offers short persistence in the crop with zero harvest interval.

No insect resistance has been recorded with Majestik, making it suitable – and good practice – to use in an IPM system with other control measures.

In addition, Majestik can help provide enhanced whitefly control when used in a tank-mix with Botanigard WP.

Mode of action

Majestik has a physical MoA; it blocks the insect’s spiracles (breathing holes), leading to suffocation. You’ll normally see maximum effects within 2-4 hours of application. Multiple applications will give high levels of control and are necessary for repeat results and mortality.

Mode of action: electron micrograph

Strong beneficial profile

You can introduce beneficials quickly – biocontrols are safe once the spray residue has dried; Majestik works in tandem with macrobiologicals that seek out and predate on the pest.

Key beneficials show high levels of survival after the crop is treated with Majestik:

How and when to apply

Spray at the first sign of attack, ideally in quick-drying conditions to promote pest suffocation.

Make two applications of 25 ml Majestik per litre of water four-seven days apart. For spider mites the second application kills newly-emerged nymphs. You can apply the product up to 20 times per crop. Where pest pressure is high, reduce the interval between applications to four days to achieve complete control.

As Majestik has a contact MoA, ensure good coverage using a fine spray, particularly to the underside of the leaves and growing points. We recommend using a hand-held lance with a flat fan nozzle or hollow cone for best efficacy. Where possible close the protected structure to avoid airflows interfering with the spray pattern deposition.

Target pests:

Spider mites – adults, eggs and nymphs

Whitefly – eggs, larvae, pupae and adults

Proof

Majestik demonstrates strong results on spider mite eggs:

Average of five lab studies

In combination with Botanigard WP, Majestik gave over 90% control of WFT on verbena in a SCEPTREplus trial (2018).

Why Spruzit

Use Spruzit to tackle biting sucking and chewing insects in ornamental crops under permanent protection with full enclosure.

Spruzit controls a broad spectrum of pests at all stages – eggs, larvae and adults. It’s a contact insecticide formulated as an emulsifiable concentrate containing 4.59 g/L pyrethrins and 825.3 g/L rapeseed oil.

You’ll discover that Spruzit has short persistence in the crop and no harvest interval, making it highly adaptable, with low environmental impact.

It also contributes to your resistance-management strategy, with a novel IRAC class (Group 3 + UNE) and a great fit for IPM.

In addition, Spruzit has organic approval: with no PBO (piperonyl butoxide), you’re assured of future acceptance.

Mode of action

With two actives, Spruzit offers unique ‘Double Defence’.

The first active, natural pyrethrins from chrysanthemum flowers, gives quick knockdown, particularly on caterpillars.

The second, a natural rapeseed oil base, blocks the insect’s trachea, so it cannot breathe. This physical impact, delivered by a mixture of triglycerides derived from fatty acids, also helps reduce virus transmission.

How Spruzit works

Pyrethrins

Disrupt sodium channels

Rapeseed oil

Increases absorption and penetration

Damages spiracles

Softens the cuticle

                                Insect nervous system                                                                                                                    Insect anatomy

How and when to use

As you’ll see, Spruzit is flexible: it allows you to target accurately by pest and crop height with tailored dose rates and water volume. In all cases, however, you may make two applications per crop.

Recommended dose rates by pest

Maximum individual dose rate and water volume by crop height

Application: apply Spruzit at the first sign of pest attack. Use a fine spray to wet the leaves and stems of infested plants thoroughly but avoid direct application to open flowers. Similarly, be sure to wet the lower surface of leaves.

You may need to repeat the application after seven days to maintain control. If you spray against mealy bugs, scale insects and thrips, repeat after 14 days.

The best time to apply is early in the morning or in the evening. Do not apply in direct sunshine or in hot weather. You may see dead insects on the plant leaves for several days before they fall off. Some plants species, such as ferns, Ficus and Poinsettia, may be sensitive and suffer foliage damage, particularly where you have made more than one application. We recommend you conduct a small-scale test before treating more widely.

Crop-safe for superb results

With Spruzit you can be certain your ornamentals stay in optimum condition.

You don’t need to worry about phyotoxicity: in a recent trial, no phytotoxicity was seen and there was no loss or change of colour in the bracts. However, don’t apply Spruzit on crops where sulphur is used as part of a fungicide programme; this can lead to increased risk of phytotoxicity.

While Spruzit gives excellent visual appearance, take care on plants with a waxy leaf surface. Its high rapeseed oil content may leave deposits (in the same trial, the oil in Spruzit simply left a slight gloss on the leaf).

Trial details:

Phytotoxicity trial on poinsettia; Spruzit at label rate for whitefly (12 L/ha).

Spruzit was applied as a fine spray on foliage (to upper and underside of leaves as far as possible) to point of run-off.

Plants were fully-grown (targeted at Week 48 maturity) with semi-mature, semi-coloured bracts.

Trial date: 15 November 2007 (week 46), Leythorne Nursery, Chichester. Weather: sunny, no wind; indoor temperature 22˚C

Untreated leaf (left). Treated with spruzit (right).

Proof

In trials, Spruzit showed strong results on beetles, aphids and spider mites in ornamental crops vs. the reference, an alternative natural pyrethin-based product.

 

 

 

 

 

Crop studies, reference Pyrethrum 5EC        Mean of six independent trials                     Mean of six independent trials 

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