"The benefits of planting into sterilised soil - that reduces in-crop pesticide applications - have been overshadowed by the poor environmental profile of some sterilant treatments," says Peter Hingley, general manager of Certis, who will be speaking at the climate change seminars at Fruit Focus.
He says that Basamid is a proven and viable option, that is not ozone depleting, leaves no residues, and has high environmental and operator safety.
However, he reminds growers that using the same application philosophy as with methyl bromide - due to be revoked next year - will lead to disappointing results. "Bromide is a harsher treatment, wiping out everything in its tracks, which is why it has been so effective regardless of the conditions, but it also explains the environmental concerns," says Hingley.
"Under the right conditions - that means at the correct soil temperature, depth of incorporation and soil moisture levels - Basamid will leave a weed and disease free soil profile as effective as any other treatment. It also offers the added flexibility of application, either by growers or by a contractor."
He adds that it is important to work with and not against the changing demands on the industry. "Opting for more environmentally beneficial options presents an excellent marketing opportunity to use with buyers.
"Don't put off seeking alternative options until there's no other choice. Methyl bromide's demise is inevitable, so think ahead to consider what will take its place," he advises.
Certis marketing manager Robert Lidstone explains that the re-launch of Basamid is part of the CleanStart campaign led by Certis. "CleanStart is a label that stands for taking a more programmed approach to pest and disease control. The strapline 'start clean, stay clean' says it all. It's about reinforcing some of the basics that play an invaluable part in the consistent production of grade A produce from every crop, every year."
Taking strawberry production as an example, he adds: "It starts with the sourcing of disease-free runners; dipping them to eliminate and protect from infection; planting into clean sterilised soil in tunnels that have been disinfected; and treating irrigation water before watering the crop through tape that's been disinfected and flushed clean before use.
“It forms part of an integrated approach that applies to all horticultural production systems and should be an essential component of an effective residue minimisation strategy."
To find out more visit Certis at Fruit Focus, stands OP 21 & 22.
• Visitors to the stand will also be given the opportunity to take part in a helium balloon race. Open to all, the competition offers the winner - whose balloon tag is found and returned from the location furthest away from the East Malling event - a pair of tickets for a free balloon flight.
Participants will simply be asked to fill in an entry card at the Certis stand. Card tags will be attached to helium balloons that will all be released on the afternoon of the Fruit Focus event. Finders of the released balloons or tags are offered an incentive to return the cards to identify how far the balloons have travelled.
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