UK cherry growers have been handed a boost with the news that Steward has received specific off-label approval for control of the light brown apple moth.
Leading cherry specialist Don Vaughan of FAST explained that previously there were no products approved for use post blossom when the second generation of the pest flies and causes most damage.
Last year many growers used pre-blossom sprays of cypermethrin based products or Dipel to gain control, but the results were reportedly very poor and Vaughan said that growers were beginning to lose confidence in controlling the pest.
HDC pesticide technical manager, Vivian Powell, was keen to express gratitude to both Steward manufacturer, Du Pont and the Pesticide Safety Directorate for the swift approval of the SOLA.
Steward has the ability to control caterpillars before they burrow into the fruit, provided it is applied early enough.
An HDC funded survey in orchards in 2006 showed that light brown apple moth, or Epiphyas postvittana, has spread throughout southern and central England and has become a widespread pest of tree fruits, prevalent on cherries.
They particularly attack cherries as the crop seldom receives post blossom pesticide treatments with insecticides that are effective against caterpillar pests, according to the HDC.
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