UK: New product to fight aphid pest on brassica and salad

A new insecticide treatment for module & block-raised brassica and salad crops will now give plants up to eight weeks protection against a wide range of aphid pests after planting. Cruiser 70WS is a new liquid formulation of Syngenta insecticide Thiamethoxam, approved exclusively for treatment utilising Phyto-Drip technology.

Used in brassica crops, including cabbage, Brussels sprout, cauliflower, broccoli, Chinese cabbage and kale, Cruiser 70WS controls aphid species Myzus persicae and Cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae).

Furthermore, in salad lettuce and endive crops, Cruiser 70WS prevents damage from a range of approved aphid species and reduces risk of the pest in harvested leaves and heads.

Syngenta insecticide Technical Manager, Pete Saunders: “This year, we have experienced the serious consequence of the loss of neonicotinoid seed treatment in oilseed rape - with the knock on effect of Myzus Persicae numbers at record levels in the spring affecting the vegetable sector.

“The approval of Cruiser 70WS for brassicas and salads could help reduce this increasing pressure of Myzus Persicae into crops.” Pete reported salad crop trials had shown a 95% overall control of the most problematic Myzus persicae aphids seven weeks after planting.

The fully automated Phyto-Drip system, developed by Syngenta and engineers in Holland, delivers an accurate dose in a single droplet of treatment onto a pre-seeded cell block.

The Cruiser 70WS is rapidly absorbed through roots and translocated evenly throughout the plant. As the seedling grows, more active is taken up by the larger root mass and continues to redistribute to maintain protection of the expanding leaf area.

For more information:
Pete Saunders
Syngenta
Tel: 07776 991156
pete.saunders@syngenta.com
www.syngenta.co.uk