Kiwifruit

ACTIGARD compatibility and efficacy demonstrated
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Psa bacteria can be present on the outside and inside of kiwifruit buds, with spring rainfall encouraging the multiplication and spread of the infection.

Protecting vulnerable spring growth in kiwifruit from Psa and pests often sees multiple crop protection products added to the spray tank to maximise spray efficiency. 

This is common prior to flowering when growers are targeting both Psa and scale with a narrow spray window and sometimes unsettled weather limiting spraying opportunities. 

Whilst the compatibility of commonly used pre-flower products like ACTIGARD®, Kocide® Opti™ and Movento® 100SC is well-known from a crop safety perspective, the impact on efficacy of the combination in a spray tank was unknown.  

To address this knowledge gap, in 2021 Zespri contracted Plant and Food Research to undertake a study to determine whether applying these three products in combination affected the efficacy of ACTIGARD® and Kocide® Opti against Psa, or the efficacy of Movento® 100SC against scale. Du-Wett® was added as per standard commercial practice. 

These three products were applied alone and in combination to potted Hayward kiwifruit plants.  A control of ‘water only’ was also used.  

The research project1 found that the performance of three-way combination treatments was not significantly different to each product’s performance, when applied alone, and therefore concluded that ACTIGARD®, Kocide® Opti and Movento® 100SC can be applied in combination without affecting product efficacy against Psa and scale insects. 

Andrew McIntosh, Bay of Plenty Territory Sales Manager, says: “This important finding means growers can take confidence that the convenient practice of tank-mixing these three products in spring will not comprise their ability to control Psa and scale to commercially acceptable levels.” 

The following is recommended when using ACTIGARD®:

  • Make two applications in spring to give the best protection from Psa. 
  • Tank-mix with a suitable copper product to give immediate Psa protection.
  • Make the first application from when leaves reach an average of 25 mm diameter.
  • Make the second at least 21 days after the first application and prior to flowering.
  • Apply at 200 g per hectare.

Use of the Weather and Psa Risk Model, available on the Zespri canopy website is recommended to support applications for Psa protection. 

For more information click here to download our latest ACTIGARD® technote or contact your local Territory Sales Manager.

1 Plant & Food Research trial report CP22066