ACTIGARD performs well in Industry Psa trials
Industry research conducted by Plant & Food Research for Zespri# on several orchards during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons evaluated several different Psa spray programmes that used less copper and bactericides.
The researchers’ goal was to identify if alternative spray programmes can provide equal protection against Psa bud and leaf infection, and achieve similar harvest yields, compared with spray programmes that include bactericides.
Another goal of the project was to confirm the potential benefits of combining ACTIGARD® with the bio-bactericide, Aureo Gold®.
“Given that Psa bacteria can be present on the outside and inside of expanding kiwifruit buds, we know that spring rainfall encourages the multiplication and spread of Psa infection on, within and between vines,” says Andrew McIntosh, Bay of Plenty Territory Sales Manager for Syngenta New Zealand.
“New spring leaf growth is particularly vulnerable to Psa, with the highest risk being one to three weeks after bud-burst, so a robust early season programme is essential to minimise the disease threat.”
The project identified three spray programmes, which did not include a bactericide, applied specifically during the month of October and that successfully matched the level of Psa disease control achieved when bactericides were used. ACTIGARD® featured in two of the three high-ranked programmes.
Of particular note, was the combination of ACTIGARD® and Aureo Gold®. Andrew added, “Assessing bud browning from Psa infection over both seasons’ research, a programme of two applications of ACTIGARD® and Aureo Gold®, with no bactericide, performed extremely well. This combination also prevented leaf necrosis caused by Psa which reduces the reliance on copper and bactericide products.”
Utilising a range of Psa products through the high-risk spring period is advisable. “Growers may also wish to utilise the weather and Psa risk model that is available on the Zespri canopy website”
Best use guidelines
Make the first application of ACTIGARD® plus a protectant when leaves reach an average of 25 mm in diameter. The systemic nature of ACTIGARD® means it moves within the plant to protect rapidly expanding growth.
At least 21 days later, a second application of ACTIGARD® plus protectant can be made prior to flowering.
Contact your Syngenta Territory Sales Manager for more information about ACTIGARD® and its role in your Psa protection programme. Click to download the ACTIGARD® Spring Technote.
# Trial reference: PFR SPTS No. 24528. VI22104 Sustainable Psa spray programmes (2021–23)
