Melon. Strategic Agrichemical Review Process 2014 HAL Project - MT Crop Protection Research Pty Ltd Checkbox 3D Pty Ltd

Transcription

1 Melon Strategic Agrichemical Review Process 2014 HAL Project - MT10029 Crop Protection Research Pty Ltd Checkbox 3D Pty Ltd April 2014

2 Horticulture Australia project no: MT10029 Managing pesticide access in horticulture. Contact: Noelene Davis Checkbox 3D Pty Ltd PO Box 187 Beecroft NSW 2119 Ph: Purpose of the report: Horticulture Australia and the Australian Melon Association Inc. prepared this report on the pest problems, agrichemical usage and pest management alternatives for the industry across Australia. The information in this report will assist the industry with its agrichemical selection and usage into the future. Funding sources: MT This project has been funded by HAL using the vegetable industry levy and across industry funds with matched funds from the Australian Government. Date of report: 30 April 2014 Disclaimer: Any recommendations contained in this publication do not necessarily represent current Horticulture Australia Ltd policy. No person should act on the basis of the contents of this publication without first obtaining independent professional advice in respect of the matters set out in this publication. V140618

3 Contents 1. MEDIA SUMMARY THE AUSTRALIAN MELON INDUSTRY INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND MINOR USE PERMITS AND REGISTRATION METHODS RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS PESTS AND DISEASES OF MELON DISEASES OF MELON Priority diseases... 7 Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum)... 7 Gummy stem blight... 8 Powdery mildew (Golovinomyces cichoracearum and Podosphaera xanthiis can be causal organisms on melons)... 8 Downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis)... 8 Alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria spp.)... 8 Cercospora leaf-spot (Cercospora citrullina)... 8 Anthracnose disease (Colletotrichum orbiculare)... 9 A number of fungicides are registered for control of the disease Verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahlia) Post-harvest fruit rots and soil-borne diseases Current fungicide options for diseases of melons INSECTS OF MELON Sucking and piercing insects Aphids Thrips Whitefly Mites Fruit fly Current insecticide options for sucking and piercing insects Chewing insects Lepidopteran pests (Helicoverpa and Cucumber Moth) Cutworms Current insecticide options for chewing pests Borers Current insecticide options for borers NEMATODES Current insecticide options for nematodes WEEDS OF MELON General weed control Nutgrass Herbicides registered and used in melons REFERENCES AND RESOURCES APPENDICES Appendix 1. Currently available melon fungicides Appendix 2. Currently available melon insecticides Appendix 3. Brand names associated with generic active ingredients Appendix 4. MRLs relevant to melon Appendix 6. Permits for use in melon Melon SARP 2014 Page 1

4 1. Media Summary A Strategic Agrichemical Review Process (SARP) through the process of a desktop audit and industry liaison assesses the importance of the diseases, insects and weeds that can affect a horticultural industry; evaluates the availability and effectiveness of fungicides, insecticides and herbicides to control the plant pests; determines any gaps in the pest control strategy and identifies suitable new or alternatives pesticides to address the gaps. Alternative pesticides should ideally be selected for benefits of: Integrated pest management (IPM) compatibility Improved scope for resistance management Sound biological profile Residue and trade acceptance domestically and for export A SARP workshop for melons was conducted in The results of the process provide the industry with options to prioritise for resource allocation and action, in particular for: Registration and permits to pursue with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Association (APVMA). IPM strategy development Increased understanding of the causes and best management of pests and diseases. Growers strive to utilise innovative, non-chemical solutions and IPM practices. Biological controls have a useful place but there are a limited number available for melons. There is also the problem that pests may come in swarms after long spells with none, depending on conditions that favour their build up or influx. In these situations biologicals are usually inappropriate as swift action is called for. The older, broad spectrum chemistry is commonly needed by growers and has cost and availability benefits, although overuse can have noticeable consequences, such as mite flare. The registration of some new chemistry into melons has accelerated and is welcomed by melon growers. It is important for the industry to work closely with registrants to communicate their needs and help in the development of use patterns for new products. Fusarium and sucking insects were identified during the SARP process as the most critical pest issues facing melon-growers. Priorities for action The SARP process has identified priorities for action. Industry input will now be needed to determine resourcing and an order of action. The status of priority pests and diseases and potential solutions, identified as an outcome of the SARP process, can be seen in the following tables. Melon SARP 2014 Page 2

5 Priority diseases Priority ranking Potential strategies Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum) Gummy stem blight (Golovinomyces cichoracearum and Podosphaera xanthiis can be causal organisms on melons) Powdery mildew (Golovinomyces cichoracearum and Podosphaera xanthiis can be causal organisms on melons) Downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis) Foliar disease caused by Alternaria spp. Cercospora leaf-spot (Colletotrichum orbiculare) Anthracnose disease (Colletotrichum orbiculare) Verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahlia) Post-harvest fruit rots and soil-borne diseases High priority for control and for action Low-medium (Location dependent - diseases are, in general a greater problem in Queensland). Difficulty in diagnosis of causal organism can make prioritisation a problem Not well understood at this stage. - Identify and access alternate chemistry to manage Fusarium wilt. - Investigate and identify best management practices for disease control. - Research diseases and disease complexes: improved identification and understanding of causes should facilitate selection of appropriate chemical and other management techniques. - Consider need to renew PER10979 (Bupirimate (NIMROD^, expires Sept 2014) for powdery mildew control. Allocate resources as required. Priority insects Priority ranking Potential strategies Aphids Whitefly Mites Thrips Fruit fly Lepidopteran pests (Helicoverpa, Cucumber moth and cutworms specifically identified by growers) Nematodes Sucking insects are a high priority for control. (Location dependent: insects are, in general a greater problem in Queensland). High priority for action Chewing insects are a medium priority for control and a low priority for new industry initiatives Low-medium priority for control. (Location dependent). Low priority for new initiatives Sucking and piercing insects: - Access, via permit, to methomyl for control of aphids - Consider need to renew PER12221 (petroleum oil, expires Nov 2017) for control of various pests. Allocate resources as required. - Investigation and potentially pursuit of alternate, soft chemistry for sucking insects, particularly aphids, thrips and mites. Possibilities include the following, suggested by SARP participants: - methomyl, for aphid control - abamectin, as a cost effective alternative, for mite control. - Since the time of the SARP discussions with industry, new market entrants and the applications for use of bifenazate (including ACRAMITE^) and etoxazole (including PARAMITE^) under permit have reduce the need for additional chemistry. These two permit applications were submitted in March 2014 with an 8 month timeframe for assessment. - Research into IPM and best management strategies that can be implemented in the management of sucking insects. - Investigate the need to renew methomyl permits and, if necessary, allocate resources to generate the required data. - Consider the need for alternate chemistry (noting that new products have become available since the melon SARP process commenced. - Develop IPM strategies - Investigate nematodes of significance and best management practices. - Note that the new Farmoz nematicide, fluensulfone, is in assessment at the APVMA, with cucurbits included in the proposed use pattern. Priority weeds Priority ranking Potential strategies General weed control Nutgrass Low-Moderate Consider permit options: - in-crop weed control - selective nut-grass control No chemicals were nominated by growers for consideration. Halosulfuron-methyl could be investigated as publically available data indicates efficacy. Melon SARP 2014 Page 3

6 2. The Australian melon industry The Australian Melon Industry is an innovative, resourceful and dynamic horticultural industry with a growing consumer demand for their product. Melons are emerging as one of Australia s leading sunrise industries. The Australian Melon Association Inc. is the national peak body representing the Australian melon industry. Melons are from the Cucurbitaceae family. They grow on trailing vines on the ground, and are large fruit with thick rinds. Seedlings cultivated in plant nurseries are grown in raised soil beds. The three main types are Rockmelon, Watermelon and Honeydew Melon but there are also Galia, Charentais and Hami melons on the Australian market - recently there have been yellow watermelons available. (Australian Melon Association, 2014) In 2011/12 183,032 t of melons with a GVP (Gross value of production) of $165M were produced by 384 growers. Watermelon is the main melon type, followed by rockmelon and honeydew. The main melon growing states and production volumes are as follows: Area (ha) Production (t) Yield (t/ha) Queensland 2,853 70,462 38% 24.7 Northern Territory 1,402 44,657 24% 31.8 Western Australia 1,027 30,115 16% 29.3 New South Wales 1,157 28,171 15% 24.3 South Australia 251 5,433 3% 21.7 Victoria 110 4,194 2% 38.2 (ABS 2013) 6, ,032 The major export markets are: Melons - UAE (2,785 t, $4.85M, 2010/11), Singapore (2,562 t, $3.84M, 2010/11) and New Zealand (1,667 t, $2.31M, 2010/11). (HAL 2012) Watermelons - New Zealand (1,618 t, $1.65M, 2010/11), UAE (325 t, $0.38M, 2010/11) and PNG (57 t, $0.07M, 2010/11). (HAL 2012) Melon imports are comparatively lower than exports, with t valued at $0.05M being imported in 2010/11. The major source countries were Thailand and China. (HAL 2012) 3. Introduction 3.1. Background Growers of some horticultural crops suffer from a lack of legal access to crop protection products (pesticides). The problem may be that whilst a relatively small crop area is valuable in an agricultural sense, it is not of sufficient size for agchem manufacturers to justify the expense of registering a product use on that crop. Alternately, the disease, pest, or weed problem may be regional or spasmodic, making agchem companies unwilling to bear the initial high cost of registering suitable pesticides. As an added complication some horticultural crops may be grown in protected cropping or hydroponic situations. These can have a significant impact on pesticide performance and residue outcomes, further increasing product development requirements and registration costs. Growers may at times be in a situation where they face severe losses from diseases, pests and weeds if they do nothing to protect their crops, or face penalties if they use a product that is not registered or available via Melon SARP 2014 Page 4

7 a permit. The melon industry is aware of the possible consequences of the use of unregistered or nonpermitted pesticides. These can include: produce with unauthorised pesticide residues; rejection at both local and export market levels; placing Australian export trading arrangements in jeopardy, and; fines and penalties. Environmental concerns, consumer demands, and public opinion are also significant influences in the marketplace related to pest management practices. Industry/IPM Practitioners must strive to implement best management practices and tools to incorporate a pest management regime where strategies work in harmony with each other to achieve the desired effects while posing the least risks. Pesticides have always been an important tool in the production of melons. They control the various diseases, insects and weeds that affect the crop and can cause severe economic loss in modern high intensity growing operations. Pesticides are utilized to maximise crop yield, quality and customer appeal. From a pesticide access perspective, the APVMA classifies melons as a major crop. The crop fits within the APVMA crop group 011 Fruiting vegetables cucurbits, in subgroup 2 with marrow, pumpkin and squash. As a consequence of the issues facing the melon industry regarding pesticide access, Horticulture Australia Ltd and the melon industry undertook a review of pesticide requirements via a Strategic Agrichemical Review Process (SARP). The aim was to determine solutions (primarily pesticide) to current and future pest threats. This SARP process identified diseases, insect pests and weeds of major concern to the melon industry. Against these threats available registered or permitted pesticides, along with non-pesticide solutions, were evaluated for overall suitability in terms of IPM, resistance, residues, withholding period, efficacy, trade, human safety and environmental issues. Where tools were unavailable or unsuitable the process aimed to identify potential future solutions. This report is not a comprehensive assessment of all pests and control methods impacting on melon production in Australia but attempts to prioritise the major problems Minor use permits and registration Melons are classified as major by the APVMA. Therefore access to minor use permits can be difficult, and will only be granted for limited uses within the crop. Possible justification for future permit applications could be based on: New disease, insect or weed identified as a cropping issue No pesticide available Current pesticides no longer work resistance Current pesticides limiting trade IPM, environmental or operator issues Loss of pesticides due to removal from market New, effective pesticide registered in another crop Alternate pesticide has overseas registration or minor use permit With each of these options, sound, scientific argument is required to justify any new registrations or permit applications. Another option for the industry is for manufacturers to register new pesticides uses in the crop Methods This melon SARP was conducted in and this report prepared following a series of facilitative steps with industry and further desktop research subsequent to the process. Steps included: 1. September, Pre-SARP information gathering in consultation with the Australain Melon Industry. 2. September 26, The SARP workshop was conducted at Bundaberg in an open forum held as one of the events constituting the Melon Industry Conference 3. October-December The information gathered during the SARP workshop were collated and distributed to industry for confirmation of workshop outcomes and as an opportunity for input and comment. 4. Feb-April Industry comments added to those from the meeting and the final SARP report prepared. Melon SARP 2014 Page 5

8 3.4. Results and discussions Detail Results and discussions are presented in the body of this document. Appendices Refer to additional information in the appendices: Appendix 1. Currently available melon fungicides Appendix 2. Currently available melon insecticides Appendix 3. Brand names associated with generic active ingredients Appendix 4. MRLs relevant to melon Appendix 5. Current melon permits Melon SARP 2014 Page 6

9 4. Pests and diseases of melon 4.1 Diseases of melon Priority diseases Whilst a number of diseases impact melon crops, Fusarium was considered by growers to be the most critical disease issue in melons. The SARP process considered a range of initiatives that could be undertaken to address disease. Priorities include: - Identifying and accessing alternate chemistry to manage Fusarium wilt. - Investigation and identification of best management practices for disease control. - Research into diseases and disease complexes. Improved identification and understanding of causes should facilitate selection of appropriate chemical and other management techniques. Further industry input is needed to prioritise the possible activities. Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum) Fusarium wilt of watermelon caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum ((Engel and Martyn, 2014) Fusarium wilt is a soil borne disease. Symptoms are similar on all cucurbits and are dependent on several factors, including the amount of inoculum in the soil, environmental conditions, nutrients and host susceptibility. Fusarium wilt is characterized by loss of turgor pressure of the vines. Vines may recover during the evening, but eventually wilt permanently (Engel and Martyn, 2014). Cultural controls may include avoidance of planting on soil with a history of the disease, long rotations and planting of clean, quality seed of resistant varieties. control High (All states) Grafted seedlings provide some control but this is expensive and there is no medium-longterm, cost effective control option available. Farm hygiene is imperative. Recommendations action Permit / Registration: - Growers would like new chemical treatment options for control of Fusarium spp. but they did not nominate any potential products. Cucumber growers have had success with limited testing of thiabendazole as a seed dressing, and post-transplant drenches of prochloraz or azoxystrobin. There are no local or overseas MRLs for the first two but azoxystrobin is already registered on melons so could be a possibility to trial. Integrated or non-chemical solutions: - Scope a project to develop monitoring and diagnostic aids for predicting and managing soil-borne diseases in melons. (similar project to HAL project VX99029 for the tomato industry is proposed) - Grafting and genetics. - Grafted seedlings provide some control but this process is expensive. - Fusarium wilt will probably be best managed via a combination of grafting and genetics. - Scope a project to better understand selection of the right rootstock / scion combinations. - Melon SARP 2014 Page 7

10 Anthracnose disease, downy mildew, foliar disease caused by Alternaria spp., gummy stem blight and powdery mildew Gummy stem blight (Didymella bryoniae) Gummy stem blight can affect all above-ground plant parts at all growth stages. Symptoms vary with the plant stage and may include: leaf spots, foliage wilting and death; stem cankers with characteristic red or brown gummy fluid; spotted and blackened fruit, and; crown rot which may kill the plant. (QDAFF, 2014) The fungus is seed-borne and can survive in soil and plant material. The disease can cause economic loss in cucurbits, particularly in tropical areas. Cultural controls should be employed alongside fungicide treatments, and include rotating cucurbits with other crops on a two-year basis and destroying organic debris at the end of a cucurbit crop by deep ploughing. (QDAFF, 2014) Powdery mildew (Golovinomyces cichoracearum and Podosphaera xanthiis can be causal organisms on melons) Powdery mildew occurs as patches of whitish, powdery growth (mycelium) on the surface of plant parts. The disease reduces leaf efficiency which may reduce crop yield, and fruit may be scaarred and downgraded. Both protectant and curative fungicides contribute to disease control. Removal of diseased crop parts and debris reduces inoculum levels. (QDAFF 2014, Lebeda et al ) Downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis) Downy mildew affects foliage and can reduce photosynthetic activity, leading to crop yield. Symptoms vary with the melon type. On watermelon irregular shaped lesions on the foliage turn brown and curl the leaves. Symptoms may be mistaken for those of other diseases. Management techniques may include cultural practices that increase airflow and minimise moisture in the plant canopy, moving the planting date and using resistant plant varieties, if available (Colucci and Holmes, 2010) Alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria spp.) The disease causes spotting on leaves. The spots cn enlarge to 2-3 cms in diameter. Distinctive concentric rings appear around the spots. Sunny days with frequent rain favour disease development. Good hygiene is required as the fungus will over winter on plant residue and can be spread on tools and water splashes. Cercospora leaf-spot (Cercospora citrullina) Damage occurs primarily to leaves. Lesions don t form on the fruit but if the disease is severe enough to cause defoliation, fruit yield and quality can suffer. control High (Qld) Medium (NSW, SA) Low (WA, NT) High (Qld) Low (other States) High (Qld) Medium (SA) Low (other States) High (SA) Medium (Qld, NSW) Low (WA, NT) Low Melon SARP 2014 Page 8

11 Disease Anthracnose disease (Colletotrichum orbiculare) Anthracnose requires wet, cool conditions over several days for disease development. Symptoms include spots on leaves and, in infected fruit, black, circular, sunken cankers. The disease may be managed by destruction of crop debris, crop rotation and use of clean seeds. (Williamson, 2014) A number of fungicides are registered for control of the disease. control Medium (NSW) Low (other States) Recommendations Permit / Registration: - Systemic chemistry. Cercospora leaf-spot can be controlled if identified properly. It is adequately controlled with chlorothalonil which is registered for use in this crop for this disease. Multiple fungicides with diversity in mode-of-action are available for control of Anthracnose, downy mildew, Alternaria, gummy stem blight and powdery mildew. Whilst products from a spread of chemical groups are available, growers felt there was limited systemic chemistry available for the management of Gummy stem blight, Alternaria, Anthracnose and Cercospora. Fungicides that distribute well throughout the canopy and have some curative ability, which is lacking in the older protectant classes of chemistry, are desirable. With the introduction of Penthiopyrad (FONTELIS^) to the market have an additional option. - Renewal of PER10979 (Bupirimate (NIMROD^) ) for Powdery mildew control. Allocate budget and scope project, if necessary, for generation of data necessary to renew. Integrated or non-chemical solutions: - Scope a project(s) to determine best management practices for control of fungal diseases, collectively or individually. Access to agrichemicals for the diseases doesn t appear to be an issue for industry; however, collectively, they remain as a medium-high priority. Possible explanations are: Chemical resistance, poor-application (rates, timing, etc.), correct identification of diseases, selection of appropriate agrichemical for disease pressure, and agronomic parameters which influence disease. In circumstances when highly conducive weather conditions prevail, the mildew diseases are difficult to control and powdery mildew disease development is believed to be exacerbated when fruit load increases - Such a project would enhance industry s ability to identify and monitor for diseases and implement appropriate control measures. - This project may be in combination with the investigative project proposed for Fusarium wilt. - There may also be the need for a project(s) that seek a greater understanding of the epidemiology of these diseases. action undecided Melon SARP 2014 Page 9

12 Verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahlia) control Verticillium wilt is a vascular wilt disease that may be confused with Fusarium wilt, as the symptoms are very similar. Neither fungus readily sporulates on the surface of the plant and confirmation of the causal agent may require isolation of the pathogen and observation under a microscope (Engel and Martyn, 2014) Growers did not identify Verticillium wilt as an issue, but this could be because of difficulty in diagnosing the cause of wilts. Recommendations None - Not identified as an issue action Post-harvest fruit rots and soil-borne diseases Causal organisms include the pathogens associated with sudden vine decline and root rots in Australia. Fungal fruit rots are particularly a problem of rockmelons Verticillium has been isolated from wilting watermelons and another fungus, Plectosphaerella cucumerina (formally called Fusarium tabacinum - that has been recorded in Australia), associated with wilting rockmelons in Bundaberg. This latter fungus and related fungi have been shown to be associated with cucurbit collapse in other countries. There are various Pythium species also associated with root rots and collapse in Australia. These pathogens haven't been well researched in Australian on melons and they form disease complexes (along with Fusarium spp.) so they are not easily identified by growers. Recommendations control Not categorised action Permit / Registration: A current ACIAR project has a component looking at efficacy of post-harvest fungicide dips for melons. No Permits / registrations have been proposed in the current SARP process Integrated or non-chemical solutions: Consider projects focused on determining the importance of these diseases in the Australian melon growing industry N/A No priority assigned Melon SARP 2014 Page 10

13 Current fungicide options for diseases of melons Disease Name Active ingredient Comments Chemical WHP, Activity group days Alternaria Fruit Rot Guazatine Acetates Rockmelon, postharvest M7 NR Protective, Curative dip Imazalil Rockmelon, post 3 NR Systemic harvest Alternaria Leaf Chlorothalonil Cucurbits M5 1 Protectant Blight / spot Dimethomorph Qld, NT only, 40 7 Systemic, Contact Cucurbits Mancozeb + metalaxyl- M/metalaxyl Cucurbits, Qld M3+4 7 Systemic, Protective, Curative Angular Leaf Spot Copper Cucurbits M1 1 Contact (Pseudomonas sp.) Anthracnose Chlorothalonil Cucurbits M5 1 Protectant Copper Cucurbits M1 1 Contact Dimethomorph Qld, NT only, 40 7 Systemic, Contact Cucurbits Mancozeb Cucurbits M3 7 Protectant Mancozeb + metalaxyl- M/metalaxyl Cucurbits, Qld M3+4 7 Systemic, Protective, Curative Oxadixyl+propineb (REBOUND^) Cucurbits 4+M3 3 Contact, Systemic Zineb Cucurbits 7 Protectant Bacterial Leaf Spot Copper Cucurbits M1 1 Contact (Xanthomonas sp.) Belly Rot / Chlorothalonil Cucurbits M5 1 Protectant Rhizoctonia Ground Rot Cercospora leafspot Chlorothalonil Cucurbits M5 1 Protectant (Target Leafspot) Damping Off (Pythium spp,, Metalaxyl-M /metalaxyl Cucurbits 4 7 Systemic, Protective, Curative Phytophthora spp. Downy Mildew Azoxystrobin Cuc, Greenhouse 11 1 Protective, Curative Chlorothalonil Cucurbits M5 1 Protectant Copper Cucurbits M1 1 Contact Dimethomorph Qld, NT only, 40 7 Systemic, Contact Cucurbits Mancozeb Cucurbits M3 7 Protectant Mancozeb + metalaxyl- M/metalaxyl Cucurbits, Qld M3+4 7 Systemic, Protective, Curative Metiram (POLYRAM^) Cucurbits M3 2 Protectant Oxadixyl+propineb (REBOUND^) Cucurbits 4+M3 3 Contact, Systemic Phosphorous acid Cucurbits 33 NR Contact Propineb (ANTRACOL^) Cucurbits 3 3 Protectant Zineb Cucurbits 7 Protectant Fusarium Fruit Rot Guazatine Acetates Rockmelon, postharvest M7 NR Protective, Curative dip Imazalil Rockmelon, post 3 NR Systemic harvest Grey Mould Penthiopyrad (FONTELIS^) Cucurbits 7 1 Broad-Spectrum Systemic Gummy Stem Blight Azoxystrobin Cuc, Greenhouse 11 1 Protective, Curative Chlorothalonil Cucurbits M5 1 Protectant Copper Cucurbits M1 1 Contact Dimethomorph Qld, NT only, 40 7 Systemic, Contact Cucurbits Mancozeb Cucurbits M3 7 Protectant Mancozeb + metalaxyl- M/metalaxyl Cucurbits, Qld M3+4 7 Systemic, Protective, Curative Metiram (POLYRAM^) Cucurbits M3 2 Protectant Oxadixyl+propineb (REBOUND^) Cucurbits 4+M3 3 Contact, Systemic Penthiopyrad (FONTELIS^) Cucurbits 7 1 Broad-Spectrum Systemic Pink Mould Rot Guazatine Acetates Rockmelon, post- M7 NR Protective, Curative Melon SARP 2014 Page 11

14 Disease Name Active ingredient Comments Chemical WHP, Activity group days (Trichothecium harvest dip roseum) Imazalil Rockmelon, post 3 NR Systemic harvest Powdery Mildew Azoxystrobin Cuc, Greenhouse 11 1 Protective, Curative Boscalid + Kresoxim-Methyl Cucurbits, field Protective, Curative (COLLIS^) Bupirimate (NIMROD^) Melons, Not watermelons 8 1 Systemic, Protective, Curative Bupirimate (NIMROD^) (PER10979 exp Sep 2014) Cucurbits 8 1 Systemic, Protective, Curative Copper Copper octanoate M1 1 Contact (TRICOP^), cucurbits Cyflufenamid (FLUTE^) Cucurbits U6 1 Protectant, Curative Fenarimol (RUBIGAN^) Cucurbits 3 3 Protective, Curative Hydrogen Peroxide+ Peroxyacetic Cucurbits M 1 Contact Acid (PERATEC PLUS^) Metrafenone (VIVANDO^) Cucurbits U8 7 Protectant, Curative Oxythioquinox (MORESTAN^) Cucurbits 14 7 Systemic, Protective And Curative Penthiopyrad (FONTELIS^) Cucurbits 7 1 Broad-Spectrum Systemic Proquinazid (TALENDO^) Cucurbits, field only 13 1 Local Systemic Fungicide With Translaminar Effects Tea tree oil (TIMOREX^) Cucurbits _ NR Contact Triadimefon NSW, WA only 3 1 Systemic, Protectant, Curative Triadimenol Cucurbits 3 1 Rhizopus Soft Rot Guazatine Acetates Rockmelon, postharvest M7 NR Protective, Curative dip Imazalil Rockmelon, post 3 NR Systemic harvest Septoria Spot Mancozeb Cucurbits M3 7 Protectant Soil Borne Diseases Incl Fusarium, Verticillium Wilts, Rhizoctonia, Pythium Sour Rot (Geotrichum candidum) 1,3-dichloropropene + Chloropicrin Guazatine Acetates Imazalil Vegetables, Preplant Rockmelon, postharvest dip Rockmelon, post harvest _ NR Contact, Fumigant M7 NR Protective, Curative 3 NR Systemic Melon SARP 2014 Page 12

15 4.2 Insects of melon Sucking and piercing insects During the SARP process growers identified sucking pests, along with Fusarium, as the most critical issue facing melon-growers. A number of actions were put foreward and will need a refined prioritisation. Sucking insects are considered a high priority for action. In summary, the following have been proposed: - Access, via permit, to methomyl for control of aphids - Investigation and potentially pursuit of other, alternate, soft chemistry for sucking insects, particularly aphids, thrips and mites. Possibilities include the following, suggested by SARP participants - methomyl, for aphid control - abamectin, as a cost effective alternative, for mite control Note that the need for additional chemistry has decreased somewhat since the time of the SARP discussions with new market entrants and the application for use of etoxazole (including PARAMITE^) under permit for mite control. - Research into IPM and best management strategies that can be implemented in the management of sucking insects. Aphids control Aphids themselves do not have a significant impact on the crop. The problems caused by the viruses transmitted during feeding and the sooty moulds that form on aphid honey dew mean that aphids need to be controlled effectively. Despite there being a diversity in agrichemicals registered for aphid control: - control of aphids late in the crop is made difficult by the long withholding periods of many chemicals - there is no effective IPM strategy - chemical resistance is an ongoing issue. Recommendations Permit / Registration: - Application for a permit to use methomyl to control green peach aphids. - Investigation of other aphicides to allow alternation to manage resistance. Chemistry with a short withholding period and not damaging to pollinating bees is desirable. There is particularly a need in the tropics were pest pressure is often extreme. It should be noted that Sulfoxaflor (TRANSFORM^) has been registered recently for use in cucurbits and so the need for additional aphicides has been somewhat reduced - Engage with agrichemical manufacturers to understand what is required to reduce WHPs on products used for aphid control. Integrated or non-chemical solutions: - Scope potential IPM development project for aphids in melons. - Include development of a mosaic virus preventative IPM strategy. The problem has been seen to move with the progress of picking, for example spreading down the Qld coast in the winter of This indicates that strategies other than use of insecticides should be investigated. Appearance in the crop can be overnight but growers may be prevented from using insecticides immediately if they had already sprayed recently. This also indicates the need for non-chemical intervention. High (Qld, WA and NT) Medium (SA) Low (NSW) action Melon SARP 2014 Page 13

16 Thrips Industry is concerned that few suitable chemicals options are currently available. Recommendations Permit / Registration: Investigate products that could be made available to melon growers for Thrips control, for example, Spirotetramat (MOVENTO^), imidacloprid, synthetic pyrethroids. Note that this will likely have a lower priority as the methomyl PER11948 was issued in March 2014 Integrated or non-chemical solutions: None requested control Medium (Qld, NSW and NT) Low (SA, WA) action Whitefly Whiteflies can affect the crop directly by feeding and indirectly as a vector of viruses. A range of insecticides is currently available to growers with diversity in mode of action. However, resistance is an ongoing issue and virus transmission with whitefly infestations are a concern for industry. control High (Qld) Low (Other States) Recommendations Permit / Registration: Allocate budget and scope project, if necessary, for generation of data necessary to renew PER Integrated or non-chemical solutions: Scope a research project which aims to provide an understanding of the impact of whitefly in melon crops and identifies best management practices for whitefly control. action Melon SARP 2014 Page 14

17 Mites control There is a range of insecticides available, although some are not very effective. Industry felt that between available agrichemicals and predatory bugs, mites can be managed reasonably well. Screening pesticides for effect on predatory insects vs effect on pest mites is important. Pesticides available for mite control are quite expensive. Predatory mites are very expensive, slow to spread and can limit what chemistry can be applied to the crop to combat other issues. Recommendations Permit / Registration: Investigate alternate miticides that could be available for use to melon growers. - Include more affordable option abamectin - Since the time of the SARP discussions with industry, new market entrants and the applications for use of bifenazate (including ACRAMITE^) and etoxazole (including PARAMITE^) under permit have reduce the need for additional chemistry. These two permit applications were submitted in March 2014 with an 8 month timeframe for assessment Integrated or non-chemical solutions: - Investigate potential IPM programs and the effect of pesticide use on such programs. High (NT) Medium (Qld) Low (Other States) action Fruit fly Considered by meeting participants to be a low priority because there is access to effective chemicals (dimethoate and maldison) via registration or permit. control Low (All states) Recommendations Permit / Registration: Investigate alternate products for fruit fly control which could be made available to melon growers via registration or permit. Allocate budget and scope project, if necessary, for generation of data necessary to renew PER (Note that persons who can use the product under this permit are officers of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service only. Integrated or non-chemical solutions: Scope project looking at alternative control options such as protein bait sprays. Such strategies are currently being investigated by other industries, including citrus. It may be possible to utilise the findings of other industries. action - To be advised Melon SARP 2014 Page 15

18 Current insecticide options for sucking and piercing insects Name Active ingredient Comments Chemical WHP, Activity group days Aphids Dimethoate Melons 1B NR Broad Spectrum Contact And Systemic Maldison Cucurbits 1B 3 Systemic, Contact Paraffinic Oil Cucurbits NR 1 Contact Petroleum Oil Cucurbits _ 1 Contact Pirimicarb Cucurbits 1A 2 Contact, Systemic Potassium Salts of Fatty Acids Vegetables _ NR Contact Pyrethrins+Piperonyl Butoxide Vegetables 3A 1 Contact Aphids Black Pyrethrins+Piperonyl Butoxide + Garlic Vegetables NR 1 Contact Citrus, Rose, Cabbage, Green Peach Aphid - Cotton Spirotetramat (MOVENTO^) Cucurbits 23 1 Contact, Systemic Aphid - Green Peach Imidacloprid Cucurbits 4A 1 Systemic, Ingestion, Neurotoxin Spirotetramat (MOVENTO^) Cucurbits 23 1 Contact, Systemic Sulfoxaflor (TRANSFORM^) Cucurbits, Field 4C 1 Systemic Aphid - Melon (Cotton) Sulfoxaflor (TRANSFORM^) Cucurbits, Field 4C 1 Systemic Fly - Cucumber fly Fruit flies, flies (cucumber fly, lesser Queensland fruit fly, Queensland fruit fly, Mediterranean fly, banana fly, mango fly) Dimethoate Melons 1B NR Broad Spectrum Contact And Systemic Maldison Cucurbits 1B 3 Systemic, Contact Dimethoate (PER13170, exp Oct 2014) Melons, post harvest dip 1B NR Broad Spectrum Contact And Systemic Fruit Fly - MFF Fenthion (LEBAYCID^) (PER13840, Exp Oct 2014) Melon, postharvest dip, WA only NR Contact, Stomach And Respiratory Action Maldison Cucurbits 1B 3 Systemic, Contact Fruit Fly - QFF Fenthion (LEBAYCID^) (PER13841, Exp Oct 2014) Green vegetable bug Melon, postharvest dip, Qld, NSW, NT only NR Contact, Stomach And Respiratory Action Maldison Cucurbits 1B 3 Systemic, Contact Carbaryl Cucurbits 1A NA Systemic, Contact Dimethoate Melons 1B NR Broad Spectrum Contact And Systemic Maldison Cucurbits 1B 3 Systemic, Contact Petroleum Oil (PER12221, expires Nov Cucurbits _ 1 Contact 2017) Trichlorfon Vegetables 1B 2 Contact Grey cluster Petroleum Oil (PER12221, expires Nov Cucurbits _ 1 Contact bug 2017) Jassids Dimethoate Melons 1B NR Broad Spectrum Contact And Systemic Maldison Cucurbits 1B 3 Systemic, Contact Leafhoppers Dimethoate Melons 1B NR Broad Spectrum Contact And Systemic Maldison Cucurbits 1B 3 Systemic, Contact Paraffinic Oil Cucurbits NR 1 Contact Petroleum Oil Cucurbits _ 1 Contact Pyrethrins+Piperonyl Butoxide Vegetables 3A 1 Contact Mealybug Potassium Salts of Fatty Acids Vegetables _ NR Contact Mired - Green Petroleum Oil (PER12221, expires Nov 2017) Cucurbits _ 1 Contact Mites Dimethoate Melons 1B NR Broad Spectrum Melon SARP 2014 Page 16

19 Name Active ingredient Comments Chemical group Mite - Redlegged Earth Mite Mite - Twospotted (Red spider) mite Rutherglen bug WHP, days Activity Contact And Systemic Paraffinic Oil Cucurbits NR 1 Contact Petroleum Oil Cucurbits _ 1 Contact Maldison Cucurbits 1B 3 Systemic, Contact Bifenazate (PER application 14649, in Melons 2D Contact assessment at APVMA) Etoxazole (PER application 14650, in Melons Systemic, Contact assessment at APVMA) Potassium Salts of Fatty Acids Vegetables _ NR Contact Oxythioquinox (MORESTAN^) Cucurbits 14 7 Systemic, Protective And Curative Carbaryl Cucurbits 1A NA Systemic, Contact Maldison Cucurbits 1B 3 Systemic, Contact Methomyl (PER11948, exp Sep 2017) Cucurbits 3 Contact, Systemic Petroleum Oil (PER12221, expires Nov Cucurbits _ 1 Contact 2017) Pyrethrins+Piperonyl Butoxide + Garlic Vegetables NR 1 Contact Trichlorfon Vegetables 1B 2 Contact Fenamiphos Cucurbits 1B 84 Systemic Sucking insects Thrips Diazinon Cucurbits 1B 14 Protectant Dimethoate Melons 1B NR Broad Spectrum Contact And Systemic Methomyl (PER11948, exp Sep 2017) Cucurbits 3 Contact, Systemic Paraffinic Oil Cucurbits NR 1 Contact Petroleum Oil Cucurbits _ 1 Contact Potassium Salts of Fatty Acids Vegetables _ NR Contact Pyrethrins+Piperonyl Butoxide Vegetables 3A 1 Contact Thrips - Western Flower Spinetoram (SUCCESS NEO^) Fruiting vegetables 5 3 Ingestion, Contact Whiteflies Chlorpyrifos Cucurbits 1B 5 Systemic, Contact Potassium Salts of Fatty Acids Vegetables _ NR Contact Pyrethrins+Piperonyl Butoxide Vegetables 3A 1 Contact Petroleum Oil (PER12221, expires Nov 2017) Cucurbits _ 1 Contact Whitefly Silverleaf, Greenhouse Whitefly - Greenhouse Whitefly - Silverleaf Pyriproxyfen Rockmelon 7C 1 Ingestion, Residual, Insect Growth Regulator Botanical Oil Vegetables oil NR Contact Pyrethrins+Piperonyl Butoxide + Garlic Vegetables NR 1 Contact Sulfoxaflor (TRANSFORM^) Field 4C 1 Systemic Bifenthrin Cucurbits 3A 1 Systemic, Contact Paraffinic Oil Cucurbits, Qld NR 1 Contact only Pymetrozine (PER13111, expires May Cucurbits 9B 3 Systemic, 2015) Translaminar Spirotetramat (MOVENTO^) Cucurbits 23 1 Contact, Systemic Melon SARP 2014 Page 17

20 4.2.2 Chewing insects Chewing pests are overall a medium priority for control. A number of insecticides are registered, although those that are available are not all approved across the entire caterpillar spectrum. Those for which there aren t approvals tend to be controlled incidentally when products are used for the registered / permitted pests. Chewing insects are a low priority for action on suggested new industry initiatives. Initiatives include: - Investigate the need to renew methomyl permits and, if necessary, allocate resources to generate the required data. - Consider the need for alternate chemistry (noting that new products have become available since the melon SARP process commenced. - Develop IPM strategies Lepidopteran pests (Helicoverpa and Cucumber Moth) control Helicoverpa Industry relies on OP chemistry to effectively control these pests, even though soft chemistry is available. This is a concern because of the high toxicity of these products, the potential for resistance development and the regulatory environment which is leading to deregistration of some of these products. Medium (Qld) Low (Other States) Recommendations Permit / Registration: action Growers requested that chemicals having good results in other crops should be investigated, including emamectin (PROCLAIM^) and methoxyfenozide (PRODIGY^). However, other chemistry also mentioned for investigation (Chlorantraniliprole (CORAGEN), Flubendiamide (BELT^), Spinetoram (SUCCESS NEO^)) has since been registered for use in melons. Therefore the investigation of others is probably now a lower priority. Review currently available chemistry against potential new chemistry and possible exits from the market. - Low Integrated or non-chemical solutions: Insecticide resistance, especially in Helicoverpa armigera, can make these pests particularly difficult when insecticides are totally relied upon for control. Therefore integrated pest management techniques are advisable. Melon SARP 2014 Page 18

21 Cutworms control Growers expressed concerned that only heavy chemistry is available for use. However cutworms can be incidentally managed through use of the same molecules that are currently used to manage other lepidopteron pests. The Northern Territory had an issue with this pest for the first time in High (SA) Low (Other States) Recommendations Permit / Registration: Some growers requested investigation of products for control of cutworms. However, since a range of lepidopteran chemicals is available, and as the problem affects a small proportion of the industry, this is a low priority for action. Integrated or non-chemical solutions: None requested for action action Low No priority assigned Current insecticide options for chewing pests Name Active ingredient Comments Chemical WHP, Activity group days Armyworm Bacillus thuringiensis Vegetables 11 NR Contact kurstaki Carbaryl Cucurbits 1A NA Systemic, Contact Australian plague Carbaryl Vegetables 1A SL Systemic, Contact locust Chlorpyrifos Vegetables 1B SL Systemic, Contact Diazinon Vegetables 1B SL Protectant Maldison Vegetables 1B SL Systemic, Contact Cabbage moth Bacillus thuringiensis Vegetables 11 NR Contact kurstaki Trichlorfon Vegetables 1B 2 Contact Cabbage white Bacillus thuringiensis Vegetables 11 NR Contact butterfly kurstaki Pyrethrins+Piperonyl Vegetables NR 1 Contact Butoxide + Garlic Trichlorfon Vegetables 1B 2 Contact Caterpillars Diazinon Watermelon, not 1B 14 Protectant NT Pyrethrins+Piperonyl Vegetables 3A 1 Contact Butoxide Caterpillar - Cluster Methomyl (PER11948, Cucurbits 1B 3 Contact, Systemic exp Sep 2017) Crickets field, mole Chlorpyrifos Vegetables 1B 5 Systemic, Contact Cucumber moth Methomyl (PER11948, Cucurbits 1B 3 Contact, Systemic exp Sep 2017) Cutworms Carbaryl Cucurbits 1A NA Systemic, Contact Chlorpyrifos Vegetables 1B 5 Systemic, Contact Diazinon Watermelon, not NT 1B 14 Protectant Trichlorfon Cucurbits, Qld, NT 1B 2 Contact Earwigs Carbaryl Cucurbits 1A NA Systemic, Contact Pyrethrins+Piperonyl Vegetables 3A 1 Contact Butoxide Fungus gnats Bacillus thuringiensis Vegetables 11 NR Contact berliner Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (PER11472, expires May 2014) Vegetables 11 NR Contact Melon SARP 2014 Page 19

22 Name Active ingredient Comments Chemical group WHP, days Activity Grasshopper - wingless Carbaryl Cucurbits 1A NA Systemic, Contact Chlorpyrifos Vegetables 1B 5 Systemic, Contact Dimethoate Melons 1B NR Broad Spectrum Contact And Systemic Helicoverpa Bacillus thuringiensis Vegetables 11 NR Contact kurstaki Bifenthrin Cucurbits 3A 1 Systemic, Contact Carbaryl Cucurbits 1A NA Systemic, Contact Chlorantraniliprole (CORAGEN^) Cucurbits 28 1 (H), 7 (G) Systemic, Contact Flubendiamide (BELT^) Cucurbits 28 1 Systemic, Contact Helicoverpa NPV Cucurbits _ NR Contact armigera Spinetoram (SUCCESS Fruiting 5 3 Ingestion, Contact NEO^) vegetables Methomyl (PER11948, Cucurbits 1B 3 Contact, Systemic exp Sep 2017) ladybird - 28-spotted Carbaryl Cucurbits 1A NA Systemic, Contact potato Maldison Cucurbits 1B 3 Systemic, Contact Ladybirds - Leafeating Carbaryl Cucurbits 1A NA Systemic, Contact Leafminer - Cucumber Bifenthrin Cucurbits 3A 1 Systemic, Contact Moth / Tomato leaf miner Chlorantraniliprole (CORAGEN^) Cucurbits 28 1 (H), 7 (G) Systemic, Contact Flubendiamide (BELT^) Cucurbits 28 1 Systemic, Contact Spinetoram (SUCCESS Fruiting 5 3 Ingestion, Contact NEO^) vegetables Leafminer - Potato Carbaryl Cucurbits 1A NA Systemic, Contact moth Leafroller - Lightbrown Bacillus thuringiensis Vegetables 11 NR Contact apple moth kurstaki Loopers Bacillus thuringiensis Vegetables 11 NR Contact kurstaki Methomyl (PER11948, Cucurbits 1B 3 Contact, Systemic exp Sep 2017) Pumpkin beetle Carbaryl Cucurbits 1A NA Systemic, Contact Maldison Cucurbits 1B 3 Systemic, Contact Symphylans (garden 1,3-dichloropropene + Vegetables 8B NR Contact, Fumigant centipedes) chloropicrin Vegetable weevil Chlorpyrifos Vegetables 1B 5 Systemic, Contact Vine moth Bacillus thuringiensis Vegetables 11 NR Contact kurstaki Webworm Methomyl (PER11948, Cucurbits 1B 3 Contact, Systemic exp Sep 2017) Wireworms 1,3-dichloropropene + chloropicrin Vegetables 8B NR Contact, Fumigant Melon SARP 2014 Page 20

23 4.2.3 Borers Borers were not identified as a priority for control or activity Current insecticide options for borers Name Active ingredient Comments Chemic WHP, Activity al group days Cucurbit stemborer Carbaryl Cucurbits 1A NA Systemic, Contact 4.3 Nematodes The priority of nematodes for control ranged from low to high across the states. As there are suitable control options now and additional new chemistry in development these pests are a low priority for new industry initiatives, although the industry should work with the major registrants to ensure melons get access to new chemistry. A project to investigate the nematodes of significance and best management practice options should be considered, although as adequate control measures currently exist action is a low priority. Nematodes control Nemacur is available and new products are being developed (fluensulfone by Farmoz). Crop rotation and non-host cover crops such as some sorghum varieties were considered effective. Recommendations Permit / Registration: None requested for action Integrated or non-chemical solutions: Scope project investigating best management practices for nematode pests in melon crops. Such a project should include an extension component to inform growers of the nematodes species of significance in their crops. High (SA) Medium (Qld) Low (Other States) action Low Current insecticide options for nematodes Name Active ingredient Comments Chemic WHP, Activity al group days Nematodes Fenamiphos Cucurbits 1B 84 Systemic 1,3-dichloropropene + Vegetables 8B NR Contact, Fumigant chloropicrin Other general fumigants Vegetables Melon SARP 2014 Page 21

24 4.3 Weeds of melon General weed control control Industry felt that general weed control is relatively successful through the use of plastic mulches. However, wireweed, innocent weed and fathen are causing significant problems in SA. High (SA) Low (Other States) Recommendations Permit / Registration: Consider permits for herbicides in SA production systems. No chemicals were nominated Integrated or non-chemical solutions: None requested for action action Not determined Nutgrass control Industry felt this weed could be controlled well through pre-plant applications of halosulfuron-methyl and/or glyphosate. Avoidance of highly infested paddocks is also a useful strategy. However, industry would like an effective in-crop control option if available. Publically available information indicates efficacy of halosulfuronmethyl in cucurbits and could be investigated for a permit (in situations where plantback is not a concern). Other actives are also mentioned in the literature and may warrant desktop research. Medium Qld, Low other states Recommendations Permit / Registration: Investigate selective herbicide options for nutgrass control in melons. Integrated or non-chemical solutions: None action Herbicides registered and used in melons Pre-plant registrations are broad spectrum, knockdown products with no residual activity: - Glyphosate (various) Group M pre-plant general knockdown herbicide - Paraquat, diquat, paraquat + diquat (various) - Group L pre-plant general knockdown herbicide In-crop herbicide options are limited: - Clomazone Group F broad spectrum post-plant broadleaf weed herbicide. Registrations only for rockmelon and watermelon - Fluazifop-P as butyl Group A grass selective post-emergent herbicide. Registered in cucurbits for a range of grass weeds.. - Quizalofop-P-ethyl - Group A grass selective post-emergent herbicide. Registrations in honey dew melons only. - Paraquat Group L pre-plant and post plant general knockdown herbicide. Shielded nozzles required for post-plant treatment. No herbicides are available for use in melons via permit. Melon SARP 2014 Page 22