AgNova is excited to announce Surround WP is now registered by the APVMA as a non-insecticidal product that repels citrus gall wasp (CGW). This is a valuable addition to its well-known use to minimise the impact of sunburn and heat stress on fruit.
AgNova development manager David Hughes said the protective repellent property of Surround against CGW is attributed to the barrier film confusing the wasps by camouflaging the crop and making the coated host tissues less desirable for egg laying and feeding.
“If wasps do recognise the crop and land on it, clay particles from the coating stick to the wasps’ body and appendages, causing them to become agitated and stimulated to move to other more attractive plants.
“Surround sprays applied for CGW control can also be the basis for a full sun and heat protection program moving into summer,” he said.
In a trial conducted by the NSW Department of Primary Industries, two applications of Surround 11 days apart, timed to coincide with CGW egg lay, provided a significant a 96% reduction in gall weight the year after application.
The number of galls was also reduced significantly. “This product is a great benefit in the integrated management of CGW in infested citrus orchards,” Mr Hughes said.
AgNova, in conjunction with Citrus SA and Adelaide University, have developed the Fruition CGW Trap.
Mr Hughes said his trap is ideal for monitoring CGW hatchings and movement of CGW in commercial orchards. The trap is also a very useful tool for home gardeners to manage CGW.
“The unique, patented lure used in the Fruition CGW Trap is the culmination of several years’ work to get this trap to “fruition”. Together, Surround and the Fruition CGW Trap can be used as an effective management tool for CGW.”
