Crop Protection
It’s never too early for nursery growers to stay ahead of the game. Even though most applications happen in May or June, February is the right time to start planning to ward off redheaded flea beetle down the road. This pest causes shotgun-style hole damage in perennial and shrub foliage that ruins the retail value of high end crops. Beetles come in waves so as soon as just a few adults show up you know you’re going to get a lot more—and soon.
Adult beetles have stronger resistance so letting them reach that stage is too late. For the best treatment options the key is to target beetles at the vulnerable larval phase, when there are high numbers of them down in the potting mixture. Capsanem and Isarid™ from Koppert are proven to be an effective one-two punch to break the life cycle before an infestation can occur. Capsanem is a nematode that attacks promptly and aggressively. "Isarid™, a fungus, attacks more slowly, lasting longer in the soil.
Timing of the application can be important for the products’ efficacy, and there are a few different methods for getting deep down to where the larvae are located. Schedule some time in February to consult with your Koppert Technical Advisor for expert advice on deploying your individual BioSolution. This is a service Koppert offers free of charge to regular customers, so please don’t hesitate to ask!
