Metarhizium-based bioinsecticide Lalguard M52 GR has been launched by ICL at the Four Oaks Trade Show.
"Easy to use, it is growing media incorporated and highly compatible with existing biological and chemical crop protection products," explains Sam Rivers, ICL technical manager for controls. "Based on spores of the soil-borne insect pathogenic fungus Metarhizum brunneum strain Ma43, Lalguard M52 offers the advantage that it infects on contact - so it does not need to be ingested.
"At 15-30°C, infected immature larvae can be killed within just three days. On the other hand, control of larger larvae may take longer if temperatures fall outside this range. Meanwhile, vine weevil eggs, pupae, and adult beetle stages show some susceptibility – adding to the overall effectiveness of control."
Even before Exemptor (thiacloprid) was withdrawn, vine weevil was estimated to cost UK horticulture £40million/year - £4billion worldwide. Since the loss of thiacloprid, pest pressure has risen, and UK growers are turning to robust IPM control programs.
"Growers should monitor carefully for the pest, quarantine new plants coming on to the nursery and implement bespoke IPM programs," says Sam. "Carefully planned, these programs should incorporate beneficial nematodes to target larvae along with the biorational Pitcher GR – which has proven efficacy against vine weevil eggs. To optimize control of this potentially devastating pest, Lalguard M52 will play an additional valuable role incorporated into these programs.
"Against a backdrop of changing industry culture, new laws such as the SUD and environmental ethics, bioinsecticides – such as Lalguard M52 – offer practical benefits. While not a silver bullet, as part of a planned IPM approach, this new bioinsecticide will play an important role in helping combat vine weevil in nurseries in the UK and Ireland."
Available in 1kg or 10kg packs, Lalguard M52 is recommended for incorporation in growing media at a rate of 0.5kg/m3. While the insect pathogenic fungal spores are likely to persist in growing media for up to a year, treated growing media should be used within 14 days.
For more information:
ICL Group
Epsilon House, West Road
Ipswich, IP3 9FJ
Tel.: +44 (0)1473 237100
Fax: +44 (0)1473 237150
Email: [email protected]
www.icl-group.com
www.icl-sf.co.uk
www.icl-sf.ie