Du-Wett Organic reduces costs, increases efficacy in organic kiwifruit orchards.
Du-Wett® Organic reduces costs, increases efficacy
Until recently, organic kiwifruit growers have been somewhat hamstrung by the lack of an organic super spreader. That has resulted in them wearing unnecessarily high costs, and needless waste – both of sprays and water, according to UPL NZ Ltd Regional Sales Manager Upper North Island Pieter Van Der Westhuizen.
By introducing Du-Wett Organic, UPL NZ remedied that. Pieter says the reaction from growers has been positive. “The uptake and feedback were both good. People could see the benefits, for sure.”
Du-Wett Organic is a BioGro certified non-ionic organosilicone surfactant blend developed specifically for the application of plant protection and nutritional products in organic crops including kiwifruit. “It’s an environmentally friendly alternative to the old, high water volume, fuel and labour intensive approach to spraying,” Pieter says. “With Du-Wett Organic you’ve got a product designed for low volume spraying.”
Working in tandem with Aureo Gold for powerful Psa control
“Using Du-Wett Organic spraying with Psa controlling products like Aureo Gold® means the job can be achieved in much less time. You’re not travelling back and forth or re-filling the tank as often – it’s amazing how that adds up. And by using Du-Wett Organic, you’re also going to get a better end outcome.”
As organic products are typically contact-protectants, rather than systemics, Pieter says the use of Du-Wett Organic will result in enhanced and more uniform coverage and higher retention of actives. “It gets the spray where it’s going to get the job done.”
Du-Wett Organic works by lowering the surface tension of spray solutions well below commonly used surfactants. “Up to 90% of a spray solution is water, and water has a high surface tension,” Pieter explains. “That means you don’t get the spread or coverage that you need. Using more water actually compounds the problem; it’s not better. Also, water isn’t really ‘free’, so there’s a strong conservation aspect that needs to be part of the equation.”
Pieter says Du-Wett Organic has sound and well-proven crop and environmental safety credentials. “Du-Wett Organic fills a gap in the market. Consumers are increasingly demanding organic produce and growers need to find ways to produce in line with their certification and values, but also that protect their bottom line and long-term viability.”
“At UPL, we are committed to providing products that address growers’ very specific needs and challenges. And cost-effectively – we know it’s not always easy out there.”
UPL NZ also worked with New Zealand Plant & Food Research to bring Aureo Gold, a bio-bactericide with proven protectant activity against Psa to the market several seasons ago. Scientists discovered the benign fungus, which Aureo Gold is based on, in Otago apricot orchards. Highly efficacious in reducing the growth and spread of Psa, Aureo Gold is a protectant rather than systemic. Pieter says this makes thorough coverage essential. “Mixing it with Du-Wett Organic is how you’ll get your best bang for your buck.”
Offering outstanding flexibility around timing of application, and excellent crop safety, Pieter says Aureo Gold is a bee friendly and IPM–friendly management tool. “You put the two products together, and you’ve got a substantially improved result, that’s better for growers and the planet.”
