SPONSORED | Applied knowledge helping growers hit the mark in tree crops

Applied knowledge helping growers hit the mark in tree crops

Successful crop protection involves many factors, including application technique. Syngenta, global leaders in ag-tech, are not only invested in the discovery and development of new products like VERTENTO® insecticide, they’re determined to help the industry overcome common challenges in application. This approach prompted a series of workshops surrounding Bundaberg from 19-23 May, at various tree crop farms.

The workshops helped guests step through the fundamental principles of application technique, within an orchard setting, while helping answer more specific questions about equipment set up, according to Syngenta Territory Sales Manager Neil Bauer. “We have been spending a lot of time on-farm with growers and contractors, seeing how people are managing their sprays, and we found a number of gaps in understanding; that’s what we’re addressing with these workshops.”

Tree crop growers and advisors who took part in the workshops were also interested to learn more about VERTENTO® insecticide, a new mode of action insecticide, registered in almonds, avocados, citrus, macadamias, mangoes and papaya. It is the first new mode of action in many of these crops for more than a decade and provides a solution for growers building a sustainable insect management program.

Left:  Attendees at spray workshops in Bundaberg

The use rate for VERTENTO® insecticide is a single rate of 5 mL/100 L for all registered crops except papaya, which offers ease of use for all involved in the supply chain and on-farm, with fewer drums required. With an extended use window, short withholding periods and no quantifiable residues residues in most crops, VERTENTO® also offers exceptional flexibility. As an optimised formulation, VERTENTO^® has excellent sunlight stability and rain-fast properties, providing valuable protection.

“What really sets VERTENTO® apart from what growers are currently using is how quickly it works,” said Neil. “Feeding stops within hours of application, which means that damage stops close to immediately.” Given that many of the registered crops rely on export markets where damage is critical for premium prices, this is a crucial aspect to consider.

Left: Dr David Manktelow demonstrating spray patterns on water sensitive paper.

To support the workshops, Dr David Manktelow was on-site lending his expertise. David is a recognised expert in optimizing spray application systems in horticultural crops, with a current project looking at precision orchard mapping and machinery automation systems to deliver significant improvements in tree crop spraying outcomes. He will be a speaker at the upcoming Hort Connections in Brisbane.

“Having contact and ingestion activity, getting applications right is important for VERTENTO® insecticide, as it is with every crop protection product,” said Syngenta Technical Services Lead, Dr Shaun Hood. “This includes consideration of leaf area, tractor speed, application pressure, rates and concentrations. There is quite a lot involved in getting things right, but once you have it set up, it’s just a matter of reviewing conditions and adjusting as you go.”

For more information on VERTENTO® insecticide, please contact Neil Bauer on 0409 780 241or visit Syngenta.com.au/vertento. Go online today to join a series of short emails walking you through all you need to know about VERTENTO® insecticide.

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