Integrated pest management specialist Exosect is showing UK apple and pear growers how to make a smooth transition to reduction of pesticide use in line with the EU sustainable use directive.
The directive came into force 10 months ago and is designed to complement existing plant protection regulations to reduce dependence on pesticide use. Exosect is concerned that many growers are feeling daunted by the prospect of moving from chemical to new biological control. However, the company’s Exosex CM product to control codling moth can be used as part of the transition process.
“An effective way to integrate Exosex CM into a conventional spray programme is to spray for the first generation of codling moth and use the Exosex CM system for the remainder of the season,” said Mike Niven, business development manager at Exosect. “This helps growers reduce the number of pesticide sprays, but also greatly increases the pre-harvest spray interval thereby reducing the potential for residues.”
Exosect’s Entostat range of products are derived from natural food grade wax which is sustainably harvested from palm trees. It acts as a delivery system for a wide range of chemicals and adheres easily to insects through an electrostatic charge.
