To help growers make the most of their planning time, Leigh Ann Harrison, Technical Service Representative at BASF, shares some helpful advice.
“Growers are faced with several disease and insect pressures in the summer,” said Harrison. “If left unchecked, pests can have a significant impact on crop quality and yield.”
One pest growers are very familiar with is the spider mite, whose populations depend highly on weather patterns. To best manage mite populations, growers should establish a consistent pest management plan well in advance of insect pressure that may occur.
“To manage mite populations, I recommend growers maintain a healthy level of beneficial insects and predatory mites in an orchard by avoiding the use of broad-spectrum insecticides,” said Harrison. “Nealta® miticide is specifically formulated to be compatible with many beneficial insects while controlling spider mites at all life stages, including eggs.”
While growers remain prepared every season to manage spider mites, the mite pressure California experiences can be unpredictable due to unexpected weather conditions.
“No one can accurately predict weather patterns, but everyone can implement a solid pest management plan to handle whatever complications occur,” said Harrison. “An orchard is a long-term investment, with the success depending on the longevity and health of your trees, regardless of weather conditions.”
Reducing mite stress with Nealta miticide
Nealta miticide can be applied at or just below locally recommended action thresholds to control mites. One treatment of Nealta miticide can help offer maximum effectiveness, controlling Tetranychid mites at all life stages, including eggs.
Field trials show Nealta miticide provides rapid knockdown and effective residual control for 21 to 28 days, depending on initial mite pressure. Starting out on the right foot means less rushing to catch up with pest pressure later in the growing season.
To learn more about how Nealta miticide can benefit your orchard, visit agriculture.basf.com or contact your BASF representative.
Always read and follow label directions.
Nealta is a registered trademark of BASF.
