Vegetables

Seedling drench trial gives growers confidence

Early in 2025, Vegetables NZ and Syngenta Crop Protection NZ initiated a trial to evaluate performance of DURIVO® insecticide applied by multiple methods, compared to an untreated control (UTC).

The trial was conducted in Pukekohe at Te Ahikawariki – Vegetable Industry Centre of Excellence (VICE) and Eurofins Kalyx was contracted to assess each of the treatments for plant vigour and key brassica pests: Diamondback moth (DBM), White butterfly, Soybean looper, Aphids, Greenhouse whitefly and Onion thrips. 

Cabbage (cv. Lambada) was selected due to commercial relevance and extended crop cycle, allowing for robust pest assessment. Transplants were sourced from three different North Island nurseries to compare different commercial applications of DURIVO®. A hand treated application of DURIVO® was also made at the label rate for comparison.

Key findings included:

  • All DURIVO® treatments provided effective DBM control until 26 days after application (DAA). Efficacy had declined by 33 DAA.
  • All DURIVO® treatments provided control of Aphid nymphs at 26 DAA. The sharp drop in Aphid incidence in the UTC at 33 DAA was likely due to a significant rain event (26 mm) three days prior.
  • All DURIVO® treatments exhibited higher biomass and vigour scores at both assessment timings, compared to the UTC.
durivo_treated_vs_untreated
Untreated vs DURIVO® treated

All DURIVO® treatments were comparable for DBM larvae and Aphid nymph incidence along with plant vigour. This gives growers confidence in their use of DURIVO® from any seedling supplier following the recommended application method.

The control of DBM from DURIVO® for up to four weeks gives seedlings time to establish before other control options are required.  During high DBM pressure periods, such as summer, the application of DURIVO® offers growers peace of mind that pests will be controlled during the initial four-week period after transplanting.

Best use recommendations 

  • Apply to Leafy vegetables and Leafy brassicas at 15 ml/1,000 seedlings, and Vegetable brassicas require a rate of 25 ml/1,000 seedlings.
  • Use correctly calibrated equipment to apply as a seedling tray drench and ensure DURIVO® is washed into the root ball.
  • If seedlings require watering following the DURIVO® application, take care to avoid leaching the product from cells which reduces the duration of control.
  • For resistance management against DBM, do not follow a DURIVO® application with another Group 28 product on that crop.

For more information about utilising DURIVO® in your vegetable pest control programme, talk with your Syngenta Territory Sales Manager.

For more product information view the DURIVO® Technote here.