Minimise Psa with timely applications
The period between harvest and leaf-fall is a high risk for Psa in kiwifruit, with cooler and wetter weather that usually prevails, favouring Psa infection. Wounds created at harvest and leaf drop provide ideal entry points for Psa.
The application of approved protectant sprays is recommended immediately post-harvest to help protect fruit stalks, leaves and late season growth from Psa infection. This includes copper, with the addition of ACTIGARD® once there is no risk of spray drift onto unharvested fruit.
According to Andrew McIntosh, Territory Sales Manager for Syngenta in the Bay of Plenty, the benefit of applying ACTIGARD® early post-harvest is that leaves are in better condition to absorb and translocate the systemic active ingredient and therefore protect the vine from Psa infection.
“ACTIGARD® is an important part of the Psa control programme. We know it works and have full confidence in the product based on our trial work and performance in orchards over the 12 years it has been registered.”
Results from a collaborative research project with Syngenta, Zespri/KVH and Plant & Food Research published in 2022 supported the use of well-timed (i.e., at least 50% of the canopy leaves are still green) ACTIGARD® applications post-harvest, to help protect vines against Psa infection.
Best use guidelines post-harvest:
Apply 200 g/ha of ACTIGARD® with copper immediately post-harvest as a foliar spray.
A second application can be made 21-days later, provided at least 50% of the canopy leaves are still green.
- Take care to prevent spray drift onto unharvested fruit in adjacent blocks to avoid the risk of residues on fruit.
For more details on how to use ACTIGARD® in your kiwifruit orchard post-harvest download our latest Technote or contact your local Syngenta Territory Manager here.
