Solutions for the Growing World
INTRODUCTION Isoclast active is a new foliar-applied insecticide for control of a wide range of sap feeding pests. It belongs to a new class of chemistry the sulfoximines, which has a novel and unique mode of action. The product shows excellent systemic and translaminar activity, effective both by contact and ingestion, and provides excellent knockdown and residual efficacy. Closer 240 SC/Breaker 240 SC show excellent systemic and translaminar activity, effective both by contact and ingestion, and provide excellent knockdown and residual efficacy. Grapevines are grown in several climatic zones in Mid-East, Africa and Turkey (MEAF) and there are many sap feeding insects prevalent causing serious crop damage.
PEST SPECTRUM CLOSER /BREAKER CONTROL A WIDE RANGE OF ECONOMICALLY IMPORTANT SAP FEEDING PESTS IN GRAPE VINE, PESTS MAINLY ENCOMPASSING MEALYBUGS, SCALES, LEAF HOPPERS AND A VERY GOOD SIDE EFFECT ON THRIP. Mealybug is a key pest in vineyards, feeding on vine roots, trunk, cordon, canes, leaves and fruit. They secrete copious amounts of honeydew as they feed, making fruit unmarketable. High population densities can also result in defoliation of vines and ultimately weakened vines. Mealybugs are also known to be a vector of leaf roll virus. The major mealybug across the MEAF region is the grapevine mealybug (Planococcus ficus), although both the grape mealybug (Pseudococcus maritimus) and the long-tailed mealybug (Planococcus longispinus) are occasionally found attacking grapevines and causing severe damage. There are very few products effective on the long-tailed mealybug but Closer /Breaker have repeatedly shown robust and excellent control. For optimum activity on mealybugs, Closer /Breaker should be applied at the beginning of crawler movement (spray 1) just after bloom, berries matchead-size. If infestation is very heavy a second application is recommended at 21 days later (spray 2) depending on grapevine development, just before bunch closure. Conventional spraying equipment can be used for the application, applying up to 1 000 L/ha. Positioning of Closer on Grape vines for mealybug control Spray 1 Spray 2 Phenological stage of grapevines at beginning of crawler movement First mealybugs moving out onto Green shoots. Stage of grapevines at time of second application of Closer /Breaker - 21 days later.
Table 1: Sap feeding pests in grapevines for which Closer 240 SC/Breaker 240 SC will provide control Sap feeding insects Grapevine mealybug (Planococcus ficus), grape mealybug (Pseudococcus maritimus), long-tailed mealybug (Planococcus longispinus European fruit lecanium scale (Parthenolecanium corni) American grapevine leafhopper (Scaphoideus titanicus), vine leafhopper (Empoasca vitis) Rate 100cc-200cc/ha 1 200cc/ha 200cc/ha 1 Rate can reach 250-300cc/ha in some areas Grapevine mealybug on grape berries Grapevine mealybug on the bark The rate of Closer /Breaker for mealy bug is mainly 100-200 cc/ha but in some areas of the geography higher rates are needed to give the required level of control (table 1). Closer /Breaker have also been tested in multiple years in South Africa as a dormant application on vines and demonstrated very good efficacy on Planoccocus ficus when applied at 12cc/hl before bud swell; the addition of mineral oil is not essential. One dormant application followed by a foliar application at the same rate of 12cc/hl at first crawler movement, has shown encouraging results for season long control of this mealybug. Under very high infestation pressure follow-up application may be required. When European fruit lecanium scale occurs in abundance, it may stunt vine growth and damage fruit quality. Due to the production of honeydew as it feeds, sooty mold may grow on the honeydew, causing blackened areas on leaves and fruit. Closer /Breaker targeted at the appearance of the first crawler movement of this soft scale provides very good longterm control at a rate of 200cc/ha. Further, due to the products minimal impact on predatory pests, this further helps keep populations of this scale below damaging levels. Closer /Breaker have also shown excellent control on several leafhoppers attacking grape vines such as the American grapevine leafhopper (Scaphoideus titanicus), vine leafhopper (Empoasca vitis). E. vitis is a phloem-feeding leafhopper and feeding on grapevine causes veinal browning, as well as marginal rolling and burning, symptoms often referred to as scorching. Scorching on vines by E. vitis
Damage on these plants is related to the number of individuals of jassids and the length of infestation. Optimum efficacy of Closer /Breaker is obtained at a rate of 200cc/ha targeted at the appearance of the pest, although a repeat application may be needed if there is a re-infestation. Limited work has been carried out in Turkey and South Africa on the Western flower thrip (Frankliniella occidentalis) in grapes, and demonstrated that Closer at 250-300 cc/ha provided a good side-effect on this important pest. Larval damage of alfalfa thrip on grape