Aphid numbers are picked to remain high until May, making Transform a key element of any effective BYDV vector control programme in autumn-sown wheats, Dow AgroSciences says.
Transform is a unique proprietary insecticide that combines superior aphid control and fast knockdown with an excellent IPM fit and extended control lasting up to 21 days.
Growers were quick to take advantage of it for use on spring-sown wheat and barley crops last year, and with everyone hoping for a return to more normal autumn sowing conditions this season, the product is expected to be recommended for a large proportion of winter wheats as well.
Nick Koch, Dow AgroSciences NZ marketing manager, says initial market excitement about Transform has now been backed up
with good results and positive feedback after a challenging 2014/15 season for aphids and BYDV in Canterbury in particular.
“We’re not just talking about a new product, but new chemistry as well, and chemistry that is so novel it has been assigned its own group.”
Transform features a new active called Isoclast to help farmers break the aphid resistance cycle and achieve reliable control of BYDV while using fewer spray applications and without compromising IPM programmes, he says.
In contrast to broad spectrum organophosphate and pyrethoid insecticides, it is selective to key beneficial insects like lacewings,
lady birds, beetles, hoverflies, earwigs and spiders, which help naturally control aphid populations.
Other benefits include systemic and translaminar movement of the product to protect new, untreated plant growth, and an excellent environmental and toxicological profile.
Transform has been trialled in New Zealand conditions for several years, showing superior efficacy on aphids with very consistent results and minimal performance variability, says Dow AgroSciences R&D manager Bernard Harris.
As of late last year Transform has also been registered for use on root and tuber vegetables, namely potatoes, carrot and sugar
beet. As the green peach aphid and cabbage aphid are both vectors for potato leaf roll virus, this new claim is expected to be of
particular relevance to seed potato growers.
Other crop registrations are pending.
For more detail contact your Dow AgroSciences territory manager.