New top fruit insecticide launched

A new top fruit insecticide has been launched to throw up a new option for pear sucker control.

Agrimec is the first UK top fruit registration of abamectin, an insecticide used by growers across Europe and the US, said maker Syngenta.

Independent trials by East Malling Research showed control of pear sucker larvae in May cut numbers of nymphs on leaves by an average of over 60 per cent in 10 days. This compared to a 13 per cent reduction with spirodiclofen. A follow-up application of Agrimec, after two weeks, further reduced pest numbers in the Conference pear.

Technical manager Michael Tait said: "Agrimec is effective against all larval stages of the pest, including those emerging from eggs." Agrimec is drawn into the leaf and creates a reservoir of active ingredient within the leaf. Applications should be made after flowering, typically late May to mid-June, he said. The product is also used by top fruit growers in Europe against pear rust mite.