Facts Helensville and Kumeu stores merge - PGG Wrightson
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Facts
Helensville and Kumeu stores merge
Issue 259, September 2017
The Fruitfed Supplies branch in Kumeu
has merged with the PGG Wrightson Rural
Supplies branch in Helensville, with the
refreshed and expanded Helensville store
officially opened on 17 August.
A wider product range, the refreshed retail
store environment, easily accessible parking
and a larger team focused on customer
service are among the benefits that both
horticultural and farming customers can
expect at the revamped Mill Road store.
“We have operated the two stores in Kumeu
and Helensville for a number of years now,”
says Stephen Guerin, Group General Manager
– Retail & Water. “We first moved to Kumeu
in around 1987 from Henderson due to A wider product range is part of the expanded Helensville store
changing land use at that time. The Kumeu
store concentrated on our horticultural clients of the area and knows many of our Leila Norton, who was based in Kumeu and
and an initially small pocket of lifestyle clients customers. William participated in the 2017 Kate McKenzie from Helensville. Both were
while Helensville focused on the large rural PGG Wrightson Academy programme, a select finalists for the 2017 Northland customer
farming operations. Over the years, as land use group of 16 customer service personnel from services person of the year and Leila and Kate
around Auckland has continued to change, across our entire New Zealand business who look forward to working in the revamped
we have seen a reduction in horticultural work through a professional development
store with our other very capable customer
clients and an increasing number of lifestyle programme and gain a national qualification.”
clients. Moving large trucks in and around service personnel.”
Kumeu was also becoming challenging, as we Richie Weightman, National Sales Manager
- Rural Supplies, adds: “Bringing the Kumeu Craig Lamb says, being bigger, the new store
considered our responsibilities as a corporate has an expanded range of products and
citizen to the health and safety of our staff and and Helensville teams together on one site
will strengthen our team’s ability to support services. “It’s a great opportunity to blend our
customers. So the merger makes sense on a
customers around the north-west region. Our staff, their knowledge and experience into one
number of levels.
technical field representative Joe Heng has team to better service the wider region. We’re
Craig Trembath, Fruitfed Supplies been in the agriculture sector for over 30 years also closer to the developing avocado region
Sales Manager, says: “On the horticultural based in the Helensville region servicing in Tapora at the top of the Kaipara Harbour.
side, Craig Lamb, with all his knowledge and on-farm needs, and has particular strengths in While there’s a small increase in distance
experience as our Area Sales Manager, takes agronomy and animal health. to travel for our established clients around
on additional leadership responsibilities in the
“In-store, we know our customers will Kumeu, we will have delivery services in place
new store to help unite the combined team
and deliver excellent service for our customer continue to enjoy excellent service from to assist.”
base. Craig also looks after a number of his
own clients around the region, alongside
Technical Horticultural Representative PGG Wrightson – Rural Supplies and
Steve Sherson. Fruitfed Supplies Helensville
“We also welcome William Moss to the 41B Mill Road, Helensville
Fruitfed sales team – William was part of Phone: 09 420 9412
Kumeu’s in-store customer service team and Email: helensvillestore@pggwrightson.co.nz
now becomes a new Technical Horticultural or HelensvilleFFStore@pggwrightson.co.nz
Representative. It’s great to be able to The technical field team
Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm, Sat: 9am-12pm (L-R): Joe Heng, Steve Sherson,
promote someone from within the business Craig Lamb and William Moss
as he already has a good understanding
Fruitfed Supplies National Office | Phone: 09 448 0510 | www.fruitfed.co.nz | Fruitfed Supplies is part of PGG Wrightson Ltd
SEPTEMBER 2017 | FACTS NEWSLETTER 1
Horticultural Property
Avocado property now on par with green
kiwifruit values
Avocado orchards have recently changed
hands at prices close to those currently
paid for green kiwifruit.
Andrew Fowler of PGG Wrightson Real Estate,
Tauranga, has marketed avocado properties
in the past few months selling for $450,000
per hectare, or approximately equivalent to
kiwifruit orchard values.
“As an example, we recently sold a highly
productive three canopy hectare Bay of Plenty
coastal avocado orchard, with 280 trees, for
$2.05 million. Three years ago, we sold the
same property for $1.3 million, which indicates
how demand is growing,” says Andrew.
“According to realestate.co.nz, the most
searched word on the site by Aucklanders
looking for property outside Auckland is
‘avocado’, which is a statistic that tells its own
Andrew Fowler, from PGG Wrightson Real Estate Tauranga,
story. Many people are looking to move to a talks with clients about avocado properties
lifestyle property with a revenue stream.”
That revenue stream promises to become 3000 to 4500 trays per hectare last year, others that period is longer than it is for kiwifruit.
more advantageous as Chinese consumers only produced 500 trays. This year, at both However, for the first time, people are
expand the already lucrative avocado market. ends of the spectrum, production will be debating whether to plant kiwifruit or
considerably lower. However, the return per avocados. Some land will suit either, and
“While they are not traditionally part of the export tray is expected to match last season. kiwifruit is somewhat better at altitude,
Chinese diet, that is changing, with avocados though free draining coastal sites, with good
becoming more popular in China, and the Trees in a traditionally laid-out, mature
soil, and a night time spring temperature
industry’s marketers educating consumers orchard require spacings of 15m x 15m, or
of 16 or 17 degrees, enabling a pollination
on how to use them. As the potential market approximately 50 trees per hectare. Orchards
event if bees visit when both male and female
in China is huge, that connection is helping reach that density progressively, and an initial
flowers are out, are ideal for avocados.
stimulate interest in avocado,” Andrew says. planting of 200 trees per hectare is normal.
Double grafted avocado trees are selling “Katikati is traditionally the avocado heartland,
Although typically an avocado property for $50 each, though demand is high and and still is, though other districts are also
might feature a few hectares planted in a waiting list to purchase trees to plant an suited to growing them. With expansion
the South American rainforest native, the orchard emphasises the current interest in occurring, the Bay of Plenty has ample coastal
Northland district of Tapora is the site of much avocados. Irrigation development and frost land that would be perfect. Much of this
more substantial development. Scott Tapp of protection are also factors when establishing comprises Maori land blocks, including some
PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Wellsford, recently an orchard. in the heart of Tauranga, which are already in
transacted several Tapora properties. development for avocados. Motiti Island in the
Andrew Fowler says there is scope to increase
“We have around half a dozen local avocado Bay of Plenty is well established, and Motuhoa
the land in avocado production.
growers, including some who are well Island, between Matakana and mainland,
established. Within this group, we have “Although trees produce after two years, has some perfect growing sites, where the
recently seen some significant purchases of it takes five to six years before you see a chances of frost are slim,” Andrew says.
highly productive land that was previously commercial return from avocados, and
used for dairy or beef finishing. Some
200 to 300 hectares in Tapora is now going
into avocados, with additional land also
potentially able to do so,” says Scott.
Significant variability from one year to the
next is an issue for avocado growers. One
prominent Bay of Plenty pack-house operator
reports its growers’ average yield was $52,000
per hectare last year and $47,500 per hectare
for export avocados. This year, however, crops
and returns are likely to be much lower. In
general, trees crop biennially, with an excellent
year tending to follow a poor year. Where
the better performing orchards produced
2 FACTS NEWSLETTER | SEPTEMBER 2017
New Product
The importance of foliar calcium
Low fruit calcium is associated with absorption and assimilation of the
reduced storage longevity, a higher foliar-applied nutrients
incidence of fruit rots, and poor fruit Product comparison
colour and eating quality. But achieving
good calcium content in fruit, particularly Following application of a calcium oxide
pipfruit, is often a challenge due to product, abundant insoluble residues can be
limitations in uptake and competition seen on the leaf’s surface under a microscope.
from vegetative growth. The Brexil application is rapidly adsorbed and
does not leave residues on leaf.
To optimise fruit calcium content, a robust
foliar calcium programme is critical, says Fig. 2: Effect of foliar calcium applications on fruit
Michael Hope, Valagro Pacific’s technical sales calcium content at thinning (30 g fruit weight), and
harvest (160 g fruit weight)
manager for the lower North Island.
“Due to the relative immobile nature of calcium content at thinning. As fruit grows,
calcium in plants, fruit calcium uptake from the calcium, which is relatively immobile,
all sources (soil and foliar) can be relatively is effectively diluted which is shown by
limited – only a portion of foliar applied the fruit calcium content at harvest being
calcium will end up in the fruit,” Michael says. significantly lower in both treatments.
“The form this calcium is applied in is also a (Refer fig. 2)
factor in leaf and fruit penetration.” • Fruit samples were taken at harvest for
assessment of fruit quality parameters and
Calcium uptake into the fruit is highest
expression of defects in storage.
during the early stages of fruit development
and quickly decreases as the fruit grows • Fruit treated with the Brexil-Ca +
(refer fig. 1). The first 40 days represent the calcium chloride programme had good
maximum absorption capacity of the fruit so it quality parameters at harvest and after six
is important to take advantage of this period Oxide and 12 weeks in storage. (Refer fig. 3)
to apply calcium to maximise fruit content. • Fruit samples were then taken from trees
This supports the importance of applying a with high or low fruit load; fruit were then
high uptake efficient calcium in the early cell subjected to magnesium infiltration to
division period following full-bloom. force expression of pit symptoms. The
Brexil-Ca is a foliar calcium product available Brexil-Ca program had very low incidence
this season from Valagro Pacific. It offers high of pit expression for both the high and low
efficiency of update through Valagro’s LSA fruit loads.
technology, contains boron and is safe to use In this trial, the Brexil Ca applied from petal-fall
throughout the crop cycle, particularly early for the first five calcium applications showed:
season regarding fruitlet and leaf quality.
• Higher fruit calcium content at thinning
Brexil Ca contains: and harvest
• 20% calcium • Good internal pressure after six and
• 0.5% boron (AA free) 12 weeks in storage
• LSA molecule which promotes • Low level of pit and blotch expression
translocation at a cellular level and Fruitfed Supplies research into calcium uptake
maximises nutrient efficiency Brexil and product technologies will continue this
• Glucoside triterpins, which are natural coming season.
substances for enhancing the plant’s
2016-17 Calcium Trial - Fruitfed Supplies
• A block trial on Kanzi apples was treated
with 5x weekly applications from petal-
fall with either 3 kg/ha Brexil-Ca or 10
l/ha liquid calcium chloride. Regular
applications of liquid calcium chloride
were then made to all blocks for the rest of
the season.
• Fruit samples were taken at thinning time
and at harvest, with whole-fruit nutrient
analysis undertaken by RJ Hill Laboratories.
• Results showed that Brexil-Ca applied early
season, followed by calcium chloride later
Fig. 3: Effect of foliar calcium applications on the level of
Fig. 1: Calcium uptake in Golden Delicious fruit over time season, resulted in a higher average fruit pit or blotch in storage.
SEPTEMBER 2017 | FACTS NEWSLETTER 3
Tech-Know Tips
Research and development Senior technical advisor Technical advisor Sean
manager Kevin Manning Tayah Ryan contributes Gresham contributes Tech-
contributes Tech-Know Tips Tech-Know Tips for avocados, Know Tips for summerfruit
for pipfruit. citrus and kiwifruit. and wine grapes.
For further information on best practice pest and disease control, crop monitoring and nutrient testing,
please contact your local Fruitfed Supplies store or technical horticultural representative.
Avocados
over flowering, and no sprays, regardless of control of all mite lifecycle stages, including
type, should be applied during periods of bee eggs. It is essential there is sufficient new
activity during the day. spring flush to support the uptake of
Reminders for September »»September is a good time to optimise Mit é mec (check PHIs before applying).
the nutritional status of your trees before
»»Leading into harvest, make sure that leafroller flowering starts. Yellowed foliage may
population levels are low enough to indicate a nitrogen deficiency. Foliar
ensure economic chewing damage doesn’t nitrogen, e.g. Yara Safe-N or low-biuret urea
occur. There are a number of control options (max 0.5% biuret), may need to be applied. Add
available, but you should always check with magnesium sulphate to improve leaf greening
as required. Foliar boron should also be applied
your exporter before applying chemicals close
to flower trusses and emerging spring growth.
to harvest. Prodigy™ and Altacor® are very
Bortrac is a good option, and should be
effective options and both have excellent
applied as per recommendations. Additionally,
toxicology profiles on beneficial insects
consider an application of the soil boron
(including bees). Prodigy also provides ovicidal
fertiliser OrganiBOR® in September, an effective
activity. Proclaim® also has a good fit at this slow-release fertiliser option.
time of year for those nearing harvest, due
to its short PHI. An effective surfactant must Six-spotted mite populations start to
always be used with Proclaim. increase rapidly in late-winter/early spring,
and cause stress to trees which need to
»»The spring months are key periods for reserve energy for flowering and fruit-set.
protection against fruit rots. Continue Excessive levels in spring can result in leaf
to maintain a fungicide cover with drop. D-C-Tron® Plus Organic is a good
copper products such as Kocide® Opti™ option at this time of year, particularly when
or Tri-Base Blue®. mixed with other agrichemicals. Once
»»Be cautious of bee safety as we move into flowering is finished, apply Mit é mec® plus
flowering. Many insecticides cannot be used D-C-Tron Plus Organic for highly effective Adult six-spotted mite
Pipfruit
Emerging leaves and septals are very Sercadis, provide excellent control of black
susceptible to infection so it is vital to start spot and powdery mildew and due to their
your black spot protection programme translaminar and localised systemic activity,
Reminders for September at the first sign of green tip on each apple offer superior rainfastness and longevity of
variety. Early season best practice is to spray protection. For post-infection reach-back,
»»Powdery mildew infection reduces preventively every 5-7 days to protect the new apply Score or Megastar with Polyram.
photosynthetic productivity of the tree canopy tissue that emerges each day.
and can severely impede yields, especially Syllit Plus is the ideal option for green tip
on Envy, Gala strains, and Cox’s Orange. If through to tight cluster due to its translaminar
powdery mildew infections were a problem movement in the leaf which aids spray
last year, apply an effective powdery mildew coverage and provides rainfastness. Syllit
fungicide pre-bloom such as Talendo®, or Plus is a good protectant and provides some
Neptune®. curative activity, but best results are achieved
»»Hidden pests such as mealybug and scale when applied before infection events. The
overwinter among the tree structure and uptake of Syllit Plus is not affected by cool
begin to emerge and multiply in spring. Early temperatures but does require three hours
spring is the best time to target them when you drying time.
can achieve good coverage of the wood and From green tip through flowering, Polyram
control the young crawlers. The selective insect provides the backbone of the protective
growth regulator, Ovation® should be applied programme and should be applied
with oil or Boost penetrant. every 5-7 days preventively. Chorus, an
»»If woolly apple aphids were a problem last anilinopyrimidine (group 9) fungicide, is a
season, apply oil in combination with Pirimor good early option for Hawke’s Bay growers
at late dormant or green tip. but is not suitable for black spot control in
other districts due to reduced sensitivity. The
»»Begin your black spot fungicide programme SDHI (group 7) fungicides, such as Fontelis or
as soon as green tissue is present. Green tip in apples
4 FACTS NEWSLETTER | SEPTEMBER 2017
Kiwifruit
Specialist seaweed products such as Calibra is proven to be particularly active on bud
are also helpful during this time. Calibra has rot in Hayward when applied early in the
been scientifically proven to assist with the programme. Actigard contributes a unique
Reminders for September uptake and distribution of nutrients to where mode of action by improving the disease
they are needed. resistance within the plant, and should ideally
»»Beware of frosts following bud-break. Spring is arguably the most critical period for be used at least once before flowering,
Ideally, overhead water or Orchard-Rite® Psa infection, and can result in significant preferably in the high-risk period just after
wind machines should be utilised for frost issues in orchards not using an effective bud-break. Be mindful that restrictions are in
spray programme. Research over the past place around the number of and use periods
fighting. Alternatively, consider applications
five years shows that there appears to be a of bactericides and antibiotics – ensure you
of low-biuret urea (
Stonefruit
crop loss and provides a source of inoculum most summer fruit crops, Pristine has
for later in the season. This situation may a 100% petal-fall PHI; on cherries, it is
also induce latent infections which result allowed to be applied up to 1 day before
Reminders for September in post-harvest crop losses even when harvest. Cherry growers must choose
conditions are favourable later in the to use Pristine either over the flowering
»»Bacterial blast infections can be a serious season. It is important to apply fungicides period or pre-harvest period as resistance
issue over the cool, wet spring period. Control as soon as the flowers open. Systemic management guidelines dictate it must
bacterial blast with targeted applications of products such as Chorus (only for peaches, not be used during both growth periods.
Key Strepto. Best results are achieved when nectarines, and apricots) or Folicur offer the
applied with a surfactant. Target periods when best fit as they provide superior protection
tissue damage is likely to have occurred such of new tissue.
as frost, hail, or high wind events.
»»Monitor for thrips. If thresholds are exceeded, For apricots, nectarines, peaches, and
plums, Pristine® is an excellent fit in the
apply Mavrik Aquaflo. Although studies have
shown that Mavrik Aquaflo is safe for bees, it is mid-late bloom window. Pristine has
advised that applications are not made while high efficacy against brown rot and
bees are actively foraging. Botrytis as well as very good persistence
and rainfastness. Both active ingredients
»»Maintain fungicide covers for diseases over in Pristine interfere with pre-infection
the bloom period. stages of disease development, so it
Stonefruit flowers are extremely susceptible should be applied preventively. For
to brown rot and Botrytis infection. Warm resistance management, do not make
and wet conditions over bloom can result more than two applications successively
in blossom blight which results in direct and a maximum of three in total. On A peach in flower
Wine Grapes
protectant, but for high-disease pressure a very good crop safety profile, with 99.2%
areas JMS Stylet oil provides curative activity unsulphonated residue level, and our research
and contact protection. trials have shown it to be very effective for
Reminders for September »»If significant wet events are predicted, apply powdery mildew and erinose mite control
early season.
»»In blocks that had high mealy bug Dithane Rainsheild or copper to control
populations last autumn, it is important wet-weather diseases such as downy
to control the overwintering population in mildew, Phomopsis, and Botryosphaeria.
the vineyard. Late dormant application of Erinose mite can be a perpetual nuisance
Tokuthion plus 1% oil is an excellent start to pest which can cause significant defoliation,
the mealybug control programme. Coverage especially on young vines, if conditions are
is very important, so aim to wet the entire vine right. The mites’ feeding activity on the leaves
and achieve penetration under the bark where elicits a hypertrophic response, resulting
mealy bugs are often found. in blister-like galling of the leaf blade. High
»»When combining oil with insecticides in infestations can inhibit growth and reduce
a tank, remember to ensure the agitator is photosynthetic function.
switched on the whole time and add the oil The first two sprays of the season are critical
last when the spray tank is nearly full. for good erinose mite control. Wettable
»»Begin spraying for powdery mildew sulphur is effective under warmer conditions
soon after buds emerge to protect the that allow for volatilisation. Under cooler
susceptible new tissue from infection. A temperatures, a narrow-range oil such as JMS
wettable sulphur such as Kumulus is a good Stylet oil is a better option. JMS Stylet oil has A grape leaf with erinose mite galls
Vegetable Tech-Know Tips
& Consultancy Ltd in 2012. This business that BREXIT will have on UK potatoes, plant
Technical advisor provides practical agronomy advice to nutrition and the use of elicitors and chemical
Daniel Sutton the growers of 4,400 ha of potatoes. John control options soon to be available in the UK.
contributes Vegetable If Potatoes NZ are successful in getting John
provided an informative update on potato
Tech- Know Tips. back to the country to talk to growers, I would
production in the UK and the issues they are
currently facing. One of the key challenges is highly recommend attending.
the management of potato cyst nematode Immediately prior to the conference,
Potatoes NZ held their biennial conference in (PCN) which can significantly reduce crop Potatoes NZ hosted an agronomist forum. This
Pukekohe at the end of July. It was a chance yields, and remain in the soil for many years. event was attended by 90 people involved
for potato growers, seed providers, processors While nematicides are part of the control in growing or providing agronomy advice
and industry support businesses to gather strategies, wider adoption of tolerant/resistant including chemical and fertiliser application,
and hear about market updates, research and varieties could help manage PCN. John also ground preparation, seed production, pest
development, successes and the latest issues talked about the use of precision farming and disease identification, etc. It allowed good
to help reduce yield variability of potatoes, discussion of issues such as the current status
in the industry.
with good results seen with the adoption of of tomato-potato psyllid and the threat it
One highlight from the event was technology of yield mapping, EC mapping of still creates to potato production across the
guest speaker John Sarup, a UK-based paddocks, variable rate fertiliser, etc. John also different regions of New Zealand, as well as
agronomist who set up SPUD Agronomy covered other topics such as the influence what information we require to continue to
6 FACTS NEWSLETTER | SEPTEMBER 2017
manage this key insect pest and the bacteria
it carries.
Some of the key messages were:
»»More information is required around the
tracking of psyllid numbers and when a
regional population becomes a vector of
Liberibacter (hot vs. cold psyllid),
»»Controlling and maintaining protection of
potato regrowth after desiccation is important
»»Spray choice, intervals and coverage, as
part of an integrated pest management
programme, need to be optimised to get the
best level of control.
»»One comment from Potatoes CEO
Chris Claridge was: “This is a snapshot of UK agronomist John White potato cyst
agronomists throughout the country feeding Sarup presenting at the nematode (Globodera pallida)
back directly from the field and preparing us Potatoes NZ Conference [Credit: Bugwood.org]
for the next season.”
Vegetable Sector
Controlling club root in brassicas
Club root (plasmodiophora brassicae) Nebijin has proven crop safety when Please refer to the Etec Nebijin label
is a common, destructive disease of applied to transplant trays at seeding for application rates and talk with your
brassica crops worldwide. Above ground as an added control measure providing local Fruitfed Supplies representative for
the symptoms are stunted growth and club root-controlled cells prior to further advice.
wilted leaves, while below ground, the planting. Nebijin® is a registered trademark of Mitsui
soil-borne fungus causes abnormal Chemicals, Japan. Du-Wett® is a registered
Best practice guidelines
tissue growth. Spores can remain viable trademark of Elliott Technologies Ltd, NZ. Confidor®
for 10 years or more, and can be moved Broadcast application pre-transplant is a registered trademark of Bayer CropScience.
Bortrac® and Molytrac® are trademarks of Yara.
by wind, water or transfer of soil.
»» Apply evenly to a fine seedbed and Ridomil® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta
The soil fungicide Nebijin 5SC®, based on incorporate thoroughly into the top Group Company.
the novel active ingredient flusulfamide, 10-15 cm of soil before planting
offers New Zealand growers a unique Band drenching
chemistry to control club root with one
easy, affordable application. It’s been »» Band should be 200 mm wide and
trusted by growers for more than 10 years directly over the transplant row
to effectively control club root and works »» High water volumes are crucial to get
by inhibiting germination of resting P. good penetration into the soil
brassicae spores through adsorption onto
their cell walls. »» Applications should be made
immediately post or at transplanting
“Nebijin offers cost effective club root
control,” says Pieter Van Der Westhuizen,
»» Apply water in a continuous stream to
treat 100 mm of soil on either side of
Etec’s northern regional manager.
each plant.
“It’s applied by band or spot drenching at
For other methods of treatment,
planting to the root zone, and can be used
contact your Fruitfed Supplies
on seeded and transplanted crops.”
representative for advice.
Peter notes that it is important to treat
crops with Nebijin immediately post-
planting or at transplanting before
plants become infected by the resting
club root spores.
Pieter adds: “Nebijin also offers flexibility
in that it’s compatible with a number of
systemic fungicides and insecticides which
may need to be applied at the same time.”
Nebijin has been tested in tank mixtures
with Confidor®, Bortrac®, Molytrac® and
Ridomil®, resulting in club root protection
as well as aphid, downy mildew and
Pythium control. A brassica showing symptoms of club root
SEPTEMBER 2017 | FACTS NEWSLETTER 7
Viticulture Sector
Start powdery mildew programmes earlier
than you think
Grant Hagerty, field services technical These include: powdery mildew infections
manager for BASF New Zealand, says a »» Smaller lesions reducing spread of the
»» Start the programme earlier than you think
number of initiatives are being undertaken infection
to assist viticulturists with all aspects of »» Keep spray intervals closer than before
agrichemical application. »» Spores are effected immediately, reducing
»» Use the appropriate fungicide type –
disease pressure
“Workshops held throughout the country sulphur, protectant or eradicant
Talk with your Fruitfed Supplies representative
have helped those who apply crop »» Calibrate spray equipment for the
protection products on wine grapes how to to find out more about how Vivando fits in
canopy architecture
interpret product labels, to ensure they apply your crop protection programme.
Grant adds: “Vivando fungicide, with its unique
the appropriate dose to the vine canopy,”
mode of action, is ideal for early season
says Grant.
application. It’s a protectant with translaminar
With the label on BASF’s powdery mildew movement that is easily and quickly absorbed
fungicide Vivando®, for example, the primary into the waxy cuticle layer of the leaf, so it’s
focus is to apply 20 ml of Vivando per excellent if a rainfall event is pending. The
100 litres of water onto the canopy ‘to the easy-to-use liquid formulation mixes well with
point of run-off’ and maintain that across other products, and it can be used in a block
the whole block regardless of the ultimate of two applications, or alternated with other
dose per hectare. That way all plant parts are fungicides.”
adequately treated.
Vivando’s effect on powdery mildew:
Powdery mildew control depends on a small
»» Inhibits spore penetration into plant tissue Powdery mildew on a grape leaf
number of actions that, when undertaken [Photo: Yuan-Min Shen, Bugwood.org]
correctly, keep the disease out of the vineyard. »» Assists in slowing the growth of existing
Improving wine quality with biostimulants
Previous trials have shown BioStart Creasy says: “When I processed it, the treated notes in the treated. The final wine again
Mycorrcin improves red wine quality. fruit pressed off beautifully. The untreated had showed chemical parameters that were very
Now a three-year BioStart trial on a slipperier skins because they were less robust. similar, but smell and taste were different.”
100 ha Sauvignon Blanc block in Awatere As a result, the untreated fruit produced
For Creasy it was an obvious difference that
Valley, Marlborough shows Mycorrcin and double the juice lees when compared with
cannot be explained by anything other than
Digester also improves white wine quality. the untreated grapes.”
what happened in the vineyard following
Geoff Warmouth, BioStart territory manager, Each batch was treated exactly the same way application of Mycorrcin and Digester. “It was
says: “BioStart was called in to help with from fruit that had identical brix levels. Creasy the same process, same rows and all wines
a block struggling with root disease. A says: “When blind tasted, the fruit aromatics were fermented in triplicate. So, what you see
three-year soil programme was put in place were greener in the untreated and the wine are real differences.”
to help alleviate vine death, help establish seemed thinner and less balanced on the
Mycorrcin can be applied from spring onward
new vine plantings and to improve overall palate. The treated fruit had a richness going
to the weed spray strips. Organic Mycorrcin,
soil and vine health. Digester was applied through the palate.”
with BioGro certification, is also available for
each year post-harvest to stimulate the
From a winemaker’s perspective, she says the organic vineyards. Mycorrcin is compatible
breakdown of remaining root fragments and
untreated fruit flew through ferment. “It was with commonly used herbicides, fertigation
prunings, thereby assisting with the removal
hard to hold back while the treated fruit just nutrients and suspension fertilisers. For more
of disease inoculum.
ticked along. Both wines had nice aromatics, information on Mycorrcin, call your local
Mycorrcin was applied in spring and summer although there were obviously more tropical Fruitfed Supplies field representative.
each year to stimulate mycorrhizal fungi
activity and other beneficial bacteria which
convert soil nutrients into nitrogen, sulphur
and phosphorous for the vines to use.
Mycorrhizal fungi also help improve moisture
retention, soil structure and have been found
to help build the plant’s defense mechanism
against root disease. This trial gave us the
opportunity to make microvins from the
treated and untreated areas.”
The fruit was harvested in April 2017 and
100 kg of treated and untreated fruit provided
to be made into microvins by independent Independent oenologist The Sauvignon Blanc block treated
oenologist, Kirsten Creasy of Creasy and Co. Kirsten Creasy, of Creasy and Co with BioStart Mycorrcin and Digester
8 FACTS NEWSLETTER | SEPTEMBER 2017
Viticulture Sector
Avoid the bud-rubbing sore back
Bud removal on grapevines can be easier “Shark can be used when the vines have buds »» Suckers slower to grow back
on your back and potentially easier on right through to suckers less than 30 cm »» No trunk wounds to initiate next year’s
your budget. long,” Pete notes. “Subsequent suckers may suckers
emerge depending on vine age, variety, soil
The herbicide Shark®, when applied via a fertility and occasionally re-treatment may »» Shark use for dis-budding approved by
shielded sprayer, offers a reliable and effective then be necessary. Shark kills only green SWNZ (only with shielded sprayers)
alternative to bud-rubbing and has been used tissue with fast and effective burn-off within
on many New Zealand vineyards for the past For more information on Shark herbicide as a
days. It leaves no residue in the soil or crop. dis-budding tool, please talk with your local
8-9 years. Applications are not affected by temperature Fruitfed Supplies representative.
The cost of Shark dis-budding (chemical plus and are rainfast within an hour.”
application cost) is still around 4-6 cents per Shark® is a registered trademark
The purpose-built formulation of Shark has a of FMC Corporation, USA
vine, whereas contract bud-rubbing costs unique adjuvant system to maximise control
have generally crept up a bit higher in the last while reducing drift.
few years, says Pete de Jong, regional manager
for Etec Crop Solutions. Pete adds: “A number of growers are making
their own shielded sprayers and I have seen
“Shark is very cost effective and does a better some very effective Kiwi ingenuity with
job than traditional hand-rubbing without vineyard-built shielded sprayers.”
the labour hassles,” Pete says. “It controls the
early stages of buds forming which hand- As well as cost savings, the other favourable
rubbing often misses and the consistent attributes to using Shark for dis-budding are:
results may mean less passes through the
vineyard are required.”
»» Bonus control of weeds
»» Faster than bud-rubbing
A key to this process is the requirement for
Shark to be applied with a shielded sprayer »» Huge labour saving
to minimise drift up into the desired »» Avoiding sore backs An example of a shielded sprayer
canopy vines.
»» Reliable and consistent sucker control suitable for Shark applications
Lime sulphur spreading can be improved
Lime sulphur is not an easy product lime sulphur on any winter disease carryover, better erinose mite control. JMS Stylet Oil
to use and can be harsh on spray as well taking the product into bud scale areas also has an excellent anti-sporulant activity
equipment. It has a very high pH at where erinose mites wait for the new season’s stopping any powdery mildew flag leaf
its use rate of 7% concentration. Most growth to develop. Clean-up of the sprayer is infection from over-wintering spores in buds
adjuvants added to a high pH lime also easier.” from spreading to other foliage. It will also
sulphur tank-mix would degrade quickly, improve control of any scale and mealy bugs.”
Etec trial work has showed good results with
rendering them ineffective.
water rates as low as 100 L/ha with 7 L/ha of For more information on how Du-Wett
But without an effective spreader, it is very lime sulphur. Growers have also successfully Stainless or Organic JMS Stylet Oil work in
difficult to get lime sulphur spray droplets to used Du-Wett Stainless with the reduced your early season vineyard programme,
deposit or spread on cane wood, says Pete water rates at the lime sulphur timing of up please talk with your local Fruitfed
de Jong from Etec Crop Solutions. “Being an to 14 days post bud-break and the rate of Supplies representative.
early season clean-up option, lime sulphur 3.5% concentration. Du-Wett® is a registered trademark of Elliot
needs the best possible coverage to control Technologies Ltd, NZ. Organic JMS Stylet Oil® is a
Pete adds: “Trials also showed that two
any target pest or disease carryover from the registered trademark of JMS Flower Farms Inc, USA.
successive Organic JMS Stylet Oil® applications
previous season.”
after the lime sulphur application helped with
Du-Wett® Stainless is the only alkaline/acid
tolerant spreader available in New Zealand
that can be tank-mixed with products like lime
sulphur and allow the full spreading effects of
the adjuvant to occur.
“Being a super-spreader, Du-Wett Stainless
also offers the benefit of getting more
vineyard hectares covered by each spray
tank due to lower water rates per hectare,”
Pete says. “It reduces spray droplet bounce
and shatter, and increases the deposition on
difficult-to-wet canes and developing buds.
The addition of Du-Wett Stainless delivers
5-10 times more spreading of spray droplets
Woolly bud is the ideal time
than lime sulphur alone. Better spreading for lime sulphur application
means better coverage and greater efficacy of
SEPTEMBER 2017 | FACTS NEWSLETTER 9
Pipfruit Sector
Managing fungicide resistance in pipfruit
Fungicide resistance has been a major have been greatly affected by resistance, tight cluster and petal-fall.”
factor in the evolution of pipfruit with products such as Topas® and Systhane®
SDHI fungicides (such as Seguris Flexi®)
fungicides to control black spot in rendered obsolete in the programme due to
can be used up to four times per season in
New Zealand. shifts in sensitivity.”
a block of two applications separated by
“However, with no new fungicide modes Score WG® (difenoconazole) is now the main another chemical group, Paul says. “They
of action on the horizon, we need to be DMI fungicide used for black spot control in must always be applied in mixture with a
very careful to protect the fungicides New Zealand as it is still effective. “But Score multi-site protectant fungicide, and should
we have today as we head into the should not be used for fire-fighting when not be used in curative situations. Seguris Flexi
2017-18 growing season,” says Paul disease has become established and must has excellent rainfast properties and can be
Hassan, solutions development lead for always be applied in mixture with a multi-site applied in the spray programme up to 90%
Syngenta New Zealand. protectant fungicide. A maximum of four DMIs petal-fall.”
can be made in extremely wet seasons, but
“Black spot is classified as high risk in SDHI fungicides have a single-site mode
only where there is no history of black spot
its propensity to develop resistance,” of action, and are considered by FRAC to
control failure following DMI applications or
says Paul. “When coupled with high risk, be at medium-high risk of resistance. To
where the property has a history of low DMI
single-site mode of action fungicides prolong the effectiveness of SDHI fungicides
use. Otherwise only two DMIs should be used
such as strobilurins (Fungicide Group 11), growers must therefore use them strictly in
in a season.
widespread resistance can develop which accordance with current industry resistance
results in failure of products that once “The relatively recent introduction of SDHI management guidelines.
provided excellent control of black spot. fungicides (Fungicide Group 7) has been
timely for the pipfruit industry, offering For more information on managing resistance in
“For anilinopyrimidine fungicides (Fungicide pipfruit orchards, speak to your local Fruitfed Supplies
reliable preventative control of black spot and horticultural technical representative and refer to the
Group 9) such as Chorus®, black spot
powdery mildew with a new mode of action. website: http://resistance.nzpps.org/
resistance has developed regionally. Chorus
SDHIs have quickly become the foundation of
is no longer recommended for use against [* Reference: Sensitivity of Venturia inaequalis to
a modern preventative fungicide programme, Anilinopyrimidine fungicides determined in 2014
black spot in Tasman or Waikato, whereas
particularly in the critical risk period between survey]
in Hawke’s Bay where resistance is not as
widespread*, Chorus can still be used up
to two times per season in mixture with a
protectant fungicide.
“While Chorus should not be used for black
spot control if resistance is suspected, bear
in mind it also has a label claim for dry eye
rot (Botrytis species). It can therefore be
used across all growing regions from full
bloom to 90% petal-fall to help manage this
disease, particularly on susceptible open
sinus apple varieties.”
Paul adds that DMI fungicides (Fungicide
Group 3) have been the mainstay of
fungicide programmes for decades.
“One of the key features of DMIs is their
ability to reach-back to control early black
spot infection, as well offering some forward Black spot is classified as a high risk disease due to its
protection. However, some DMI fungicides propensity to develop resistance to fungicides
10 FACTS NEWSLETTER | SEPTEMBER 2017Pipfruit Sector
Aiming for consistent and reliable
apple thinning
The secret to successful apple thinning sent to fruit are directed to the largest and systems and differing climates, and is
continues to be one of the most dominant king fruitlets at the expense of approved for use on all apple varieties
discussed, and fiercely debated, aspects the others. including those considered to be difficult
of orchard management. »» The smaller fruitlets stop growing and drop to thin.
Manual thinning is labour-intensive and, from the tree in 7-10 days, considerably Global Brevis specialist Ton Besseling visited
as a result, costly. On the other hand, the quicker than with traditional thinners, while New Zealand in August to talk to distributors
alternative, traditional, plant hormone-based the larger fruitlets continue to thrive. and growers about the latest research
chemical thinning, can be complicated. Lynne adds: “Because of its unique mode findings. He explains: “Results globally
Temperature dependency and narrow of action, Brevis is much less temperature show that Brevis simply delivers, repeatedly
application windows impact efficacy and, dependent than conventional thinners and and with more consistent thinning results
thus, results can be inconsistent, unreliable can be applied at temperatures between compared to traditional chemical thinners.
and unpredictable. Furthermore, with some 10 and 25ºC. This avoids the uncertainty and These findings are also backed up by trials
traditional thinners unfavourable weather guesswork needed with thinners that require conducted locally in the last three seasons.”
conditions at application may adversely affect consecutive days within a relatively narrow A trial conducted on Envy in 2015/16, for
fruit finish. temperature range for successful results.” example, clearly demonstrated Brevis’s
Lynne Roberts, Adama commercial manager While less temperature dependent than advantages when compared to secondary
for the lower North Island, comments: “More traditional thinners, pre- and post-application thinners 6-benzyladenine (6-BA) and carbaryl.
often than not traditional chemical thinning The trial block had two applications of primary
weather conditions can affect the strength of
has been hit and miss. What worked the thinner ATS on 10 and 16 of October prior
the thinning response achieved with Brevis.
previous year might not work this year. The to the trial commencing. Brevis was applied
Adama has established a comprehensive
success, or otherwise, of thinning used to when king fruitlets were 8 mm, 6-BA and
understanding of the impact of weather and
come down a lot to weather conditions and Carbaryl when king fruitlets were 12 mm.
thinning response through global trial work.
the ability to correctly predict them.” Results show significant thinning differences
There are also other important ways that (see fig. 1). Moreover, apples achieved higher
Lynne says that’s all about to change with Brevis helps reduce the weather’s part in the fruit weights on average when sprayed with
Adama’s launch of Brevis, a revolutionary, equation. Lynne explains: “Fast-uptake means Brevis as compared to traditional chemical
secondary fruit thinner that aims to provide Brevis is rainfast within 2-3 hours. When thinners (see fig. 2), without any adverse
some of the consistency, certainty and growers see an opportunity, they can act on effects on fruit finish.
flexibility that New Zealand pipfruit growers it. Orchard re-entry is possible after just three
have been looking for. Lynne comments: “Brevis has the potential
days. That means workers can be back in a
to change orchard management to put the
How Brevis works: block more quickly and interruption to regular
emphasis more on achieving the productivity
orchard tasks is reduced.”
»» Rather than using synthetic plant and quality growers want, and less on trying
hormones, Brevis works by temporarily and As Brevis is non-toxic to beneficial to second-guess the weather.”
safely inhibiting photosynthesis. In simple organisms, it provides an excellent fit for
Brevis is currently registered in 22 countries,
terms, it mimics the effects of shading. IPM programmes. Furthermore, Brevis does with more registrations being added
not negatively affect shoot growth or flower
»» Applied when fruitlets are 8-14 mm in each year. For more information, talk
bud return. to your Fruitfed technical horticultural
size, Brevis reduces the production of
carbohydrates by the tree. Remaining Brevis has been the subject of more than representative.
carbohydrates are sent to shoots rather 600 trials worldwide covering multiple fruit Adama and Brevis are registered trademarks of an
than fruit. Those carbohydrates that are varieties, a range of orchard management ADAMA Group Company.
Fig. 1: Effect of secondary thinners on fruitlet numbers on 9 December, Fig. 2: Mean fruit weight on 12 April, Apple cv Envy, Nelson 2016
Apple cv Envy, Nelson 2015
SEPTEMBER 2017 | FACTS NEWSLETTER 11Pipfruit Sector
Flexible pipfruit protection
DuPont™ Fontelis® fungicide continues “Fontelis makes it easy to confidently deal with before a third SDHI application. Fontelis
to feature in many New Zealand both diseases so it’s at the top of my toolbox should always be tank mixed with a black spot
pipfruit spray programmes. The and is my go-to product.” protectant fungicide from a different mode of
Group 7 fungicide is established as an action group.
Fontelis can be applied from the very start
effective tool to use over flowering for
of flowering until the pre-harvest interval. For further information on using Fontelis in
early-season protectant activity on black
This allows growers the flexibility to defer the your spray programme, contact your local
spot and powdery mildew.
use of fungicides in other groups for disease Fruitfed Supplies field representative.
However, timing is key, with early application control later in the season. If other groups are Always read and follow label directions.
in the flowering period being critical – it used earlier in the season, the grower may
should certainly be used before any sign of find the allowable number of applications DuPont™ and Talendo® are registered trademarks or
trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.
black spot appears in the orchard. have been reached while there remains a
need for those products.
Fruitfed technical horticultural representative
in Hastings Andy Davis says he has used Fontelis is an SDHI (succinate dehydrogenase
Fontelis since it became available and has inhibitor) fungicide; key to its performance is
always positioned it early in his programme – its distinctive mode of action that stops the
over flowering. growth of plant pathogenic fungi by blocking
respiration, depriving the fungus of the energy
“I have 100% faith in its performance for
needed to survive.
controlling both black spot and powdery
mildew,” Andy says. “The flowering period For resistance management, all SDHI
can often be wet and tree growth is quick, fungicides are considered to be in the same
and I’m absolutely confident in the cover cross-resistance group, ensure no more than
and length of control that Fontelis provides. four SDHI applications, in mixtures, are made Flowering is an important
It creates space to apply chemical thinners per season. Only two applications should be period for black spot and
and growth regulators at a time that is often made in succession, after which an alternative powdery mildew control
very congested. mode of action fungicide should be applied
Selecting options for early to mid-season
powdery mildew control
DuPont™ Talendo® fungicide provides Talendo is also an excellent option for varieties the plant and the infection stops, nor can
effective control of powdery mildew in that are especially prone to powdery mildew, spores departing from a treated plant infect
pipfruit from open cluster. Andy says. other plants. It also protects against secondary
infections, keeping the crop cleaner for longer.
Talendo is in a different class of chemistry Talendo works by inhibiting spore
from many other powdery mildew germination and stopping the spread of viable It is also IPM-friendly, being soft on beneficials,
fungicides, with a different mode of action, powdery mildew spores. As such, applying earthworms and honey bees.
so is a very useful rotational tool. Where Talendo preventatively is very important for Always read and follow label directions.
cover for black spot is already in place, and
achieving the best level of protection from the DuPont™ and Talendo® are registered trademarks or
powdery mildew is being targeted, growers
chemistry. Treated spores cannot penetrate trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.
can apply Talendo strategically and save
other fungicides for use when conditions
dictate broader spectrum protection.
Andy Davis, a Fruitfed technical horticultural
representative in Hastings, uses Talendo
in pipfruit protection programmes for his
growers from open cluster onwards.
“Talendo is a very good powdery mildew
product. I use it early to strengthen our
programme for powdery mildew control and
save other chemistry such as SDHIs and DMIs
to target black spot.
“If conditions are favourable for powdery
mildew, I will also use Talendo post-flowering
rather than using a DMI as I have greater
Open cluster
confidence in it.”
12 FACTS NEWSLETTER | SEPTEMBER 2017Industry News
Reworking orchards needs top
grafting protectant
With a waiting list for apple trees in many The effective changeover of kiwifruit, pipfruit, good take of the scion wood.
fruit growing regions until 2020, growers stonefruit and grape varieties through grafting »» Elasticity – the seal stretches as the plant
are opting to rework existing blocks to can be compromised by fungal pathogens grows without cracking or splitting.
newer varieties offering higher returns. entering the graft. Any resultant disease can
lead to low production or tree and vine death.
»» Dries quickly after rain or in slow drying
The pruning and grafting protectant conditions which suits inclement spring
PruneTec has been available in New Zealand “The correct choice of grafting sealant is grafting weather.
for the past three years, and according to imperative, as is proper attention to the »» Demonstrate marked longevity as a sealant
sales manager Bruce Gemmell, has claimed grafting process is vital to orchard and the following year after application.
the top spot for a protectant for horticultural vineyard success.”
»» Does not cause a burning effect on scion
grafting applications. PruneTec’s features as a grafting protectant: wood.
“As they change pipfruit varieties and kiwifruit »» Specially formulated and approved for »» Easy to apply without the normal wastage
cultivars, growers are turning to PruneTec grafting situations. of many wound protectants used on
as the preferred proven product for grafting orchards or vineyards.
their new orchard blocks,” says Bruce. »» Provides lasting wound protection
around the graft union and wound, »» Distributed in the only grafting and wound
“Understandably, they want a product that
enabling rapid callusing, ensuring fewer dressing product container that that is
can be depended on to protect the new graft
failures and tree shock. accepted by Ag-Recovery.
and get the tree or vine back into production
as quickly as possible. Six figure returns »» Creates a strong bond around the graft and PruneTec is available exclusively from Fruitfed
in both kiwifruit and apples, dictate a fast Supplies and is available in all stores in two and
initiates tissue callusing to protect against
10-litre containers.
turnaround when changing variety or cultivar.” disease and ensuring good contact and a
A Nelson trial showed PruneTec had by far the greatest wound seal integrity compared to other products PruneTec on pipfruit graft
Young Viticulturist finalists
Congratulations to the regional winners of the 2017 Bayer Young Viticulturist of the Year competition.
The five pictured here have just competed against Anton Luiten, the Hawke’s Bay winner from Selaks/Constallation Brands at the national final
held in conjunction with the Romeo Bragato conference in Marlborough at the end of August.
Central Otago: Marlborough: Wairarapa: Nelson: Auckland/Nthland:
Annabel Bulk from Anthony Walsh from Ben McNab-Jones Laurie Stradling Tim Adams
Felton Road Wines Constellation Brands from Urlar Estate from Kaimira Estate from Obsidian Winery
SEPTEMBER 2017 | FACTS NEWSLETTER 13Kiwifruit Sector
Ensure a robust Psa protection programme
With green tip almost here, now is the time “Complete spray coverage is essential for throughout the season. However, applications
to protect kiwifruit vines from Psa with disease control so applications should be during the flowering period should be
judicious applications of DuPont™ Kocide® made with well maintained, accurately avoided – as with any fruit-sensitive period.
Opti fungicide/bactericide. calibrated spray equipment, at a suitable
For further information regarding rates,
water rate for the canopy size, which will
Copper is the cornerstone of the protectant especially when concentrate spraying, and
increase as the season proceeds,” Raeleen says.
spray programme against Psa, with Psa management, please contact your local
Kocide Opti one of the options preferred by “Regular applications of Kocide Opti are Fruitfed field representative.
growers, says upper North Island territory important to ensure the plant surfaces DuPont™ is a trademark of DuPont or its affiliates.
manager for DuPont, Raeleen Watherston. remain protected when the plant is actively Kocide® is a registered trademark of Kocide LLC.
growing, especially in the spring. Wet
Kocide Opti has consistently proven to be
weather will remove a certain amount
effective against Psa in numerous field studies,
of copper from the surface so repeat
even under very high disease pressure, when
applications should be made.
used at the recommended application rate.
These studies have also shown that three “It is also very important to apply Kocide Opti
things remain critically important for getting at registered rates of 70-90 g per 100 litres of
the best out of Kocide Opti: water. Applications below registered rates may
compromise Psa control in the orchard.”
»» coverage;
»» repeat applications timed to Kocide Opti should be used as part of a
weather events; Psa management programme. With its full
registration, it can be applied as a protectant
»» applications made according to the label.
Proven tool in the Psa toolbox
Actigard was one of the first products the Psa spray programme, when the crop foundation for Psa control over the critical
to be approved in New Zealand to help biomass is rapidly growing and leaf tissues spring period.
kiwifruit growers combat the bacterial are highly susceptible to Psa infection.
Paul adds: “Syngenta has made a considerable
pathogen Psa. It has a mode of action Because it can take 4-7 days to fully activate investment in local R&D studies to prove the
that’s very different to conventional the plant, a protectant bactericide, or copper, crop safety of up to three spring applications
contact bactericides, working inside the should be mixed with 200 g/ha of Actigard of Actigard. Actigard’s crop safety was put
vine to stimulate its natural self-defence to ensure immediate protection prior to wet under the microscope in the 2015-16 season
against Psa, via a response known as weather events. with seven independent trials run across
systemic acquired resistance (SAR).
A second application of 200 g/ha Pukekohe and Bay of Plenty. No adverse
Although Actigard is not a new product of Actigard at 7-10 days prior to the effects on vigour or yield were observed,
(introduced by Ciba-Geigy in Germany and commencement of flowering will help even when a double label rate was used. So
Switzerland in 1996), knowledge gains are protect the crop from infection into the growers can be confident that Actigard, when
still being made about its active ingredient, used according to the label, is both safe to the
flowering period, when other control
acibenzolar-S-methyl. It is now known that crop and effective against Psa.”
options are very limited. These two
once Actigard is taken up by the plant and
applications of Actigard in a programme For more information on Actigard, contact
quickly metabolised to its active form, it
prior to flowering, along with the other Psa your local Fruited Supplies technical
is highly systemic within both the xylem
management inputs, form a very strong horticultural representative.
and phloem. The elicitation signalling is
cell-to-cell as it moves in different directions
through the plant to help immunise it
against disease infection.
Solutions development lead for Syngenta
in New Zealand, Paul Hassan explains the
significance of this special product attribute:
“It’s a game changer for early season Psa
management because it means Actigard
can move into both expanding leaves and
newly-produced leaves, to help protect the
entire shoot from Psa infection. No other
product currently available for Psa control in
kiwifruit can offer this level of protection.”
This two-way systemic activity, combined
with proven performance, gives Actigard a
very good technical fit in the early part of
14 FACTS NEWSLETTER | SEPTEMBER 2017You can also read
