Part 2 of Integrity Fruit's article - "Reviewing the Spray Diary"

Reviewing the Spray Diary

 (Part 2)

By Tony Filippi, Integrity Fruit Grower Services

Last week we discussed where growers could see the value in maintaining accurate spray diary records and the reasons why from an industry, export and seasonal review perspective.

This week I will be provide some more detail as to what to look for when reviewing your spray diary/strategy at the end of the season. 

So what are the questions to ask yourself when reviewing the spray diary?

1. Following are some of the basic steps that will get you started.Could you be applying the same class of chemistry too often leading to potential resistance?
2. Determine if the type of products, mode of action, the timing used are applied as per the label and according to the levels of pest pressure present.
3. Investigate if correct timing to growth stage of plant, pest and disease is accurate i.e. the most vulnerable stage, such as green tip or full bloom or do I need to apply an ovicide versus larvacide.
4.  How do pest model programs correlate with the application use and pest damage recorded?
5. Correct selection of chemical and the rate used.
6. Have the With Holding Periods (WHP) all been observed?
7. Once this is done investigate if there are any other chemicals, both new and innovative or better still an IPM strategy control without chemical intervention, as an example pheromone ties for Codling Moth, can be considered or implemented to replace the current spray.
8. Check with your packer, marketer and exporter what your options are in relation to sprays that can be used.

There are many other questions that can be asked here as every growers’ situation is different, and at Integrity Fruit we are assisting our growers to implement this yearly practice as we recognise that export is a must for a sustainable future, and our prime target markets such as China and Japan recognise Australia and NZ for their clean image and responsible use with chemical spray applications.

In summary it is best to start heading in the direction of reducing reliance on chemicals that will breach export countries MRL’s this way you as the grower do not have any restrictions at harvest on which markets your fruit can go to as a consequence of a spray applied during the season.

Some of the chemicals we are currently using now will eventually come under review and re-registration cannot be taken as a given.

Always be on the lookout for new methods and products that you can integrate into your spray programs that provide alternative options and strategies.

Finally keep accurate spray records and review them annually and to work with your packer/marketer.

 Any grower wishing to find out more can contact Integrity Fruit on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Reference: http://ext100.wsu.edu/yakima/wpcontent/uploads/sites/25/2013/08/CM-Egg25-300x225.jpg