Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is at the centre of Certis’ business, and the company is confident that it can offer growers maximum pest and disease control for sustainable UK food production in volume, with minimal environmental impact.
“Changes in legislation mean that some of the older products in the market are now disappearing,” says Certis general manager Peter Hingley. “We are also seeing some insects developing resistance to older products.”
In addition, growing pressure from consumers and farmers to reduce pesticide usage and residues, coupled with changes in the development of pesticides, is bringing about a new generation of tools that are more closely orientated to supermarket demands, without compromising on growers’ needs.
Research into novel, active ingredients has resulted in two new insecticides this year from Certis. “The insecticides InSyst and Gazelle are used at rates of 20 times less than the products they replace, but they are still as effective and in many cases, more so than older products,” Hingley says. “Because these products work in a different way they need to be managed differently in the field, using IPM principles to ensure they are used at the right time with an appropriate dose.”
Gazelle (acetamiprid) is a top-fruit insecticide used for control of aphids and other pests in apples, pears, cherries and plums. It can be used throughout the cropping period without adversely affecting bees.
Developing alternative means of control is a key priority for Certis, and two of the company’s new, naturally derived insect-control treatments have recently gained approval from Organic Farmers and Growers (OF&G) for use in its accredited organic crops.
“We are delighted to have gained organic status from OF&G on these products, and they are valuable additions to our existing range of products suitable for organic cropping systems,” says Hingley.
“These products are cleared for use in organic production in other countries in Europe, and UK growers now have more options for control, helping them to remain competitive. They are not only for use in organic crops. Conventional crops will also benefit from these products, as they fit into IPM strategies,” he adds.
Meanwhile, CyD-X (Cydia pomonella granulovirus), the UK’s first biological control targeting the codling moth, has received unrestricted approval for use on farms operating under OF&G. Certis says CyD-X is specially formulated as a spray treatment for apples and pears and delivers control, with no adverse effects on beneficial insects.
The pesticide Spruzit, derived from natural pyrethrum for use on edible and non-edible crops, has also gained OF&G approval. It boasts very low levels of active ingredient, at just 0.5 per cent pyrethrum.
The pesticide is useful when a short harvest interval is required, or for use as part of a residue reduction strategy.
However, organic growers will have to justify why they need to use Spruzit, and what controls they have tried previously before resorting to pyrethrum.
Furthermore, Certis markets non-crop treatments such as Basamid, which is used to sterilise the soil and provide a clean environment for crops. This is becoming a key consideration for many soft-fruit crops, as sterilisation not only controls soil-borne fungi and bacteria - which may have a huge bearing on crop yield - but also wards off soil pests and weeds.
Certis is also keen to promote Jet 5, which it claims is an environmentally friendly, but extremely effective, disinfectant that helps growers maintain hygiene standards for their production areas, equipment, stores and packhouses.
“Certis is one of the few companies working to integrate pest management,” Hingley says. “We can offer both conventional and organic growers effective solutions to their pest problems, and also help towards a residue reduction strategy.”
According to Hingley, growers now have access to a greater range of products. “Growers are much more aware and directed to managing crops,” he says. “They’re actually using less pesticides than they were 10 years ago.”
Hingley is keen to stress that the quality of fruit and vegetables being sold in the UK is of a very high standard. “Consumers do not want pesticide residues on their crops, and in 70 per cent of cases there are no detectable residues,” he says. “This is being worked on all the time and, in the future, we will see the percentage rise and become less of an issue.”
Indeed, he feels there should be more focus on eating fruit and vegetables as the health benefits far outweigh any perceived risk of pesticides. “Pesticides are regulated very stringently in the UK and consumer protection is at the forefront of regulation,” he says. “Assured Produce Schemes are designed to protect everyone in the chain - don’t forget growers are consumers as well.”
BCP TAKES ON BLUEBERRY PREDATORS
Having worked closely with soft-fruit growers for more than a decade, Biological Crop Protection (BCP) - part of the Certis group of companies - is rising to the blueberry challenge.
BCP says there is a real need for effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for blueberries, and feels that with very limited chemical alternatives, biological strategies can provide effective long-term solutions while helping to minimise disruption in crop management.
BCP’s UK technical team works closely with several growers exploring the potential of commercial blueberry production in the UK - both outdoors and under protection.
A number of aphid parasites and predators are available. Some are highly specific, while others attack up to 60 different species.
“Last season we demonstrated it is possible to achieve season-long control of blueberry aphid with a combination of weekly introductions of Aphidosure and spot treatments using Adalsure,” says BCP’s Mark Wilde.
“Early in the season, blueberry gall midge maggots can be found feeding on new growth, with the larvae falling to the floor to pupate. Last season we assessed the potential of Atheta coriaria, Hypoaspis miles and Anthocoris. Although still early days, the results look promising, even through Anthocoris proved difficult to establish.”
If left uncontrolled, Tortrix moth has the potential to cause severe damage to new shoots, flowers and fruit. Regular sprays of (Bt) Dipel can successfully reduce the moth population to an acceptable level.
As for pollination, blueberry plants flower early within a short time period. “With large numbers of flowers, we are exploring the potential of our largest hives - the Beesure 2 hive,” says Wilde. “We are seeing good levels of pollination.”
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