Assail insecticide and Engulf super spreader are the best form of defence against cicada, passionvine hopper and scale in kiwifruit during dormancy.
Assail® insecticide and Engulf® super penetrant surfactant lead the attack
Attack is the best form of defence against cicada, passionvine hopper and scale in kiwifruit. And during dormancy is the time to do it. That’s according to Pieter Van Der Westhuizen Regional Sales Manager Upper North Island for sustainable horticulture provider UPL NZ Ltd. “You are limited in what you can use as a control measure to address these pests in the growing season. Winter is the time to strike.” Pieter says.
Pieter recommends the combination of Assail insecticide and Engulf super penetrant to provide a robust solution. “You tackle three pests in one go and get a great result. Assail gives you control of the hard to kill pests. Engulf provides the most efficient delivery enabling the spray to contact the difficult to reach eggs.”
Pests threats to exports
Cicada, passionvine hopper (Scolypopa australis) and armoured scale are significant pests in kiwifruit, threatening exports and causing damage. Cicada egg laying sites in canes weaken cane strength causing breakages during winter tie down. Cane wounds are now known to also be entry points for Psa. In the soil cicada nymphs feed on xylem sap from kiwifruit roots. Passionvine hopper feeding results in the production of honeydew, a sugary residue. This sugary residue creates the ideal environment for the proliferation of sooty mould resulting in downgrading and causing significant crop losses to the kiwifruit industry. Scale insects present on the fruit at harvest are classified as quarantine pests preventing fruit going to export markets.
Assail and Engulf - the perfect duo
A proven performer, Assail works by contact action. Trials assessed a number of different penetrants and confirmed Engulf as the most effective product to deliver Assail into contact with egg masses. Engulf super penetrant’s unique properties provide superior spray coverage and penetration. This enables Assail to be carried effectively into those difficult to reach parts of kiwifruit canes, trunks, leaders, and old fruiting stalks where cicada and passionvine hopper lay their eggs. The winter timing of this application can also give activity against scale.
For more advice on how to protect your vines from serious kiwifruit pests, read more online.
