The insecticide Spruzit (pyrethrin and rapeseed oil) has been approved for use by organic growers and can now be applied using horizontal boom-mounted sprayers.
Spruzit has been granted organic status in the UK by the Organic Farmers and Growers' Association and is effective on field crops such as lettuce, strawberries and brassicas.
Spruzit is effective on a wide range of biting and sucking insects and gives growers a much-needed further option for difficult-to-control pests such as mealy aphids, whitefly and spider mites.
Alan Horgan, technical officer at crop protection specialist Certis, said: “Spruzit is a broad spectrum insecticide with a quick knock-down effect. It has a unique two-way action - it contains pyrethrins, which work on the insect’s nervous system, and oil, which works by physical means and makes it difficult for the insect to breathe.
“Spruzit’s contact action means good coverage is essential in order for maximum efficacy to be achieved. The maximum individual dose that can be applied via a tractor-mounted horizontal boom sprayer is six litres per hectare and must be applied in a minimum water volume of 300l/ha.
"Spruzit will give excellent control of caterpillars, especially useful in crops such as lettuce where any infestation at harvest is catastrophic. It will also give reasonable control of early aphid infestations and useful reduction of whitefly.”
Repeat treatments at seven-day intervals may be required to maintain control, with two sprays normally sufficient for most pests. Up to four sprays per year are permitted.
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