A pest that can potentially defoliate brassicas, Silver Y moth has been seen earlier and in higher numbers than normal this season, with growers in the South of the country already needing to take rapid action. Vegetable growers are being asked why not try out ®DiPel DF, a bioinsecticide produced from the naturally occurring micro-organism Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki, and see just how effective it can be against this damaging caterpillar pest.
"Applied as soon as caterpillars are seen, DiPel DF is a selective and effective insecticide recommended on a wide range of vegetable, fruit and protected crops, with no maximum number of applications, no harvest interval, no residues and with a unique mode of action. It is applied just like any other insecticide, mixing the recommended dose rate with sufficient water to give good coverage of the target crop. It can be used in a programme in conjunction with other standard products such as fungicides and other insecticides. The recommended dose rates for outdoor cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli for the control of caterpillars are 0.75 to 1 kg per hectare, with the higher rate for heavy infestation or larvae at more advanced stages," says Dr. David Stormonth, Technical Manager for Interfarm (UK).
He points out that DiPel is biodegradable, leaves no detrimental residues on the crop and is ideal for use as part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme. "It’s no harvest interval could also be particularly important to growers."
Peter Parr, Technical Horticultural Director for Agrovista, will be looking at DiPel DF this season and considers that it has a useful place within any caterpillar control programme, particularly where pyrethroids may have been dominant in the past. "It is useful to have a product with a different mode of action and strong green credentials," he says.
Developed by Valent Biosciences of the US, now part of Sumitomo Chemicals, DiPel DF® contains the naturally-occurring micro-organism Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki formulated as a water dispersible granule. It is recommended as a biological insecticide for the control of caterpillars in vegetables, soft fruit, ornamentals and amenity vegetation. There are no restrictions on the number of treatments that can be applied and has no Harvest Interval. It is packed in 0.5 kgs packs.
For further comment and information, please contact Dr. David Stormonth, Technical Manager, Interfarm UK Ltd. on 01354 741414 or 07818 036506 (mobile) or via e-mail david.stormonth@interfarm.co.uk .
