Pitcher GR - a new biorational for the suppression of Black Vine Weevil eggs and early instar larval stages - is being hailed as a timely new tool in the IPM armoury for controlling this problematic pest.
Developed by independent UK-based biopesticide company Ecospray, Pitcher GR is available exclusively in the UK and Ireland from ICL and its distributors.
“Based on a stabilized form of garlic extract, when applied to growing media the active substance – Diallyl polysulphide – shows efficacy on vine weevil eggs and early instar larval stages,” explains ICL’s sales development manager, Martin Donnelly. “Dissolving through the cuticle, it starts a cascade chain reaction causing the egg or instar to die due to overwhelming oxidative stress.
“Reducing reliance on conventional crop protection chemistry, Pitcher GR is a biorational recommended for use in conjunction with beneficial nematodes in an integrated pest management (IPM) programme,” explains Martin. “After using Pitcher GR, it is important to wait a minimum of six weeks before making a second application, or applying beneficial nematodes.”
Applied as a topdress at 12 - 24 g/m2, application can be made using a suitable handheld application device or via gloved hands; it is important to water afterwards to activate the granules.
Unaffected by temperature fluctuations, there are no resistance issues, no re-entry limitations following treatments and Pitcher GR has very low impact on non-target organisms and the environment.
“For use in containerised ornamental plants growing outside or under protection, Pitcher GR is a very timely addition to our Vine Weevil IPM programme,” says Martin. “With the imminent loss of thiocloprid containing products - such as Exemptor - and with MET52 no longer available, growers will have to embrace a biological approach to controlling this pest. Used correctly, our Seeka beneficial nematodes are proving highly effective at controlling vine weevil larvae. Pitcher GR now gives growers the opportunity to bolster overall control by targeting younger stages of the pest.
“An unusual pest with an annual lifecycle, adult vine weevil beetles normally lay eggs outdoors in early spring. To optimise control, it is important to understand its lifecycle and apply Pitcher GR when the eggs and instars are near the growing media surface.”
To help growers, in April ICL will be holding a series of dedicated Webinars on IPM control of Vine Weevil covering Pitcher GR; larvae control using the Seeka range; and how best to implement an integrated approach to controlling this potential devastating pest.
With polysulphides (from garlic extract) shown to control a range of insect, fungal and pest nematode targets, Ecosprays has approval for similar products in a range of crops worldwide.
For more information:
ICL Group
Epsilon House, West Road, Ipswich.
IP3 9FJ
T: +44 (0)1473 237100
F: +44 (0)1473 237150
E: prof.sales@icl-group.com
www.icl-group.com
www.icl-sf.co.uk
www.icl-sf.ie