Getting the right mix in an optimal kiwifruit spray programme is an exact science. With returns for the fruit looking very promising for the up-coming season – it’s well worth the effort.
Optimising efficacy and efficiency in fight against Psa
Getting the right mix in an optimal kiwifruit spray programme is an exact science. And with returns for the fruit looking very promising for the up-coming season – it’s well worth the effort.
UPL NZ Ltd Regional Sales Manager Upper North Island Pieter Van Der Westhuizen has some useful insights into delivering both vine health support and protection against Psa (Psa-V Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae).
Managed programme spearheaded by Kasumin
Pieter’s recommendation is a managed programme spearheaded by the bactericide Kasumin. “It’s a really hard-hitting product”. He says combining Kasumin with bio-bactericide Aureo Gold (a protectant) will help build a robust Psa programme. Pieter says Kasumin’s targeted action works by inhibiting protein synthesis of Psa. Its active ingredient is absorbed rapidly to provide excellent control. “You need to get in there and apply Kasumin before, or as quick as you can after, events that favour Psa infection. Those are going to be things like any hail and wind damage, along with pruning itself.”
Kasumin’s active ingredient kasugamycin features a unique site of activity and is the only bactericide in Group 24. Pieter says this makes it an effective tool in a strong resistance management plan. He also advises that spray tanks, lines and nozzles should always be thoroughly cleaned using All Clear 2X after application to reduce the potential for residues in subsequent sprays.
Adding in Aureo Gold
A companion product to Kasumin, Aureo Gold is a natural, New Zealand-discovered, solution to aid in the control of Psa. Pieter says New Zealand Plant & Food Research staff, who were responsible for the break-through discovery, partnered with UPL NZ, to develop Aureo Gold for commercial use. “It was a major for the industry, not just in this country, but globally.”
Pieter says Aureo Gold provides outstanding flexibility within the spray programme that commercial kiwifruit growing demands. It’s Aureo Gold’s excellent compatibility with a wide range of bactericides, fungicides, insecticides and adjuvants including Kasumin, Actigard, Proclaim Opti, Luna Privilege, Movento, Du-Wett, DriftStop and Timorex Gold that have also helped make it invaluable to the industry. Pieter says the ability to mix compatible actives saves a lot of time, labour and fuel. “You get more efficacy from fewer passes and that just makes commercial sense.”
There’s good news too on the resistance front. Pieter says research to date indicates Aureo Gold does not produce anti-microbial compounds and resistance development is unlikely. “That’s vital when we’re looking at the long-term life of crop protection products.”
Being bee and beneficial friendly, and organic-certified Aureo Gold benefits conventional and organic growers alike. Though, as Aureo Gold is a contact protectant, rather than systemic, Pieter says thorough coverage is essential. “We highly recommend the addition of Du-Wett or Du-Wett Organic, depending on your system.”
Calibra for plant health boost
Pieter also backs Calibra - a premium, seaweed-based biostimulant – to give the vines an additional boost. “It benefits the vines through stimulating leaf growth and that means a more vigorous canopy, especially in the early stages of canopy development.”
Calibra’s premium formulation is unique to the New Zealand market and has been used here since the late 90s to help growers produce better crops and maximise yield. Pieter explains Calibra is derived from Ascophyllum nodosum, a seaweed species known for its extraordinary benefits for crop production.
The seaweed is sustainably managed and harvested by hand with a knife, leaving 25-30 cm of plant intact to regrow. Harvested areas are left alone for a period of two years between harvests, ensuring Ascophyllum nodosum is available for future generations.
For more information click here Kasumin, Aureo Gold, Calibra, Du-Wett, Du-Wett Organic and All Clear 2X
