This was also a reason for UK biological pest control solutions manufacturer Russell IPM to highlight its Recharge soil enhancer at the recent Fruit Logistica in Berlin. The product, which is described by Russell IPM as 'a powerhouse that triggers the immunity of plants', features a blend of naturally growing microorganisms that are typically present in healthy soil. This soil booster stimulates a stronger crop growth, especially in combination with other natural pest management solutions such as Russell IPM's roller traps, foliar application solutions and pheromone lures.
Soliman Masaoudi, Elitsa Seymour and Nayem Hassan of Russell IPM in the British hall.
Marketing manager Elitsa Seymour explained that delivering complete integrated pest management strategies of which a product like Recharge is part of, has become a focus point at Russell IPM. "Recharge is a product that activates the natural defense systems of plants by restoring the beneficial microbes that are living in the soil. This results in stronger plants that can fight off pests and diseases like fruit fly, Tuta absoluta or thrips. And especially in combination with the use of our pheromone-infused sticky roller traps, decreases of pesticide use by 40-50% have been reported by our customers."
Recharge has been tested against various pest including Thrips, tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta), Mediterranean fruit fly in tomato, rose, onion and citrus in combination with other biological pesticides. In general over 90% control insect pest suppression was observed, said Dr, Nayem Hassan, Head of Research and Developemnt, Russell IPM Ltd. Application of Recharge in soil provide solid sustainable back ground for integrated pest management.
Hydroponic basil treated with Recharge
While Recharge is commercially available for a number of years already, a growing group of customers is reporting satisfying results lately. "Tomato growers in countries like Nigeria and Tanzania have achieved great results with the integrated application of Recharge", added Soliman Masaoudi, area manager at Russell IPM. "It has given there crops more resistance to many insects pests.
As well as this, the use of Recharge has also proven to be an efficient weapon in the 'war' against Tuta absoluta, the pest that is currently devastating the Nigerian open field tomato industry. Farmers managed to deal with the pest by restoring the soil into a healthy growing environment that gave their plants vitality and more vigor and resistance.
"Farmers found that the application of Recharge to tomatoes gives clean, healthy fruit undamaged by Tuta absoluta, aphids, mites, with a reduced number of whiteflies and thrips. Treatment with Recharge enables plants to fight against pathogenic diseases due to systemic acquired resistance.
According to Masaoudi, the secret behind this lies in the use of specific microbes in Recharge. "This natural products enhances the soil and makes it a less attractive environment for pupating insect pests. This is where it all starts. The healthier root system and growing environment creates stronger plants that are less weak and will have more vigor to resist other pest and diseases. This has a great impact on the effect of other biological IPM solutions like beneficial insects or roller traps and makes it possible to complete a quality crop without the use for chemical pesticides."
More information on Recharge can be found at the website of Russell IPM. The product is currently available without registration in African countries, Russia, CIS countries, and the United States.