By: Johan Gerber

Quite often pesticide labels, and especially mixing, application, and compatibility directions are not read.  Many formulations require specific mixing, low versus high volume spray, as well as compatibility information when used as tank-mixes in spray programmes. The correct mixing and application methods are essential for optimal efficacy, if not followed you will end up with reduced or even no control of the target insect pest.

To follow some golden rules when using Kannar Earth Science plant extract formulations Kangar 931 (canola oil & garlic juice), Pygar 932 (canola oil, garlic juice, and natural pyrethrum), Kangroshield 100 (canola oil, garlic juice, and natural pyrethrum), and Garlic Repellent 930 (garlic juice).

MIXING INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

1. Shake liquid concentrate in container well before use

Since various components of liquid concentrate separate in containers during storage, containers need to be shaken prior to use to ensure a homogenous distribution of active ingredients before measuring dosage rates for mixing with water.

1. Pre-mixing of measured quantity concentrated with water

Mix measured quantity of product concentrate first with an equal amount of water. Stir for at least 30 to 60 seconds until smooth, pancake mix appearance.

1. Adding pre-mix to water in spray tank

Fill the tank of the applicator with half of the desired volume of water. Start agitation while adding the required pre-mix to the spray tank while it is filled with water to the desired quantity. After pre-mix was added to water in the spray tank, agitate again before and during spraying to prevent settling.  Use the spray mixture without delay and do not allow it to stand for prolonged periods, e.g. overnight.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

As with most pesticide formulations, apply Kannar Earth Science plant extract formulations early morning, late afternoon, or at night for optimal results and minimum risk of phytotoxicity effects (e.g chlorosis, leaf curl, necrosis, etc) to growth.  Pygar 932 and Kangroshield 100 contain natural pyrethrum on and above the canola oil and garlic juice extracts and it is well known that optimal activity and efficacy due to the contact killing action of pyrethrum is at night excluding UV exposure of spray deposit.

Insecticide formulations containing natural oils can cause slight shrivelling of soft leaf and flower growth and light chlorotic spots on maturing leaves after repeated applications at short intervals. Normally, excess wetting of leaves lead to possible phytotoxicity reactions (chlorosis, necrosis, wilting etc.), as is the case with applying many pesticides.

If rain occurs within 12 hours after application, treatment must be repeated for best results.

Do not apply just prior to or during pollination, garlic might repel bees and, therefore, adversely affects pollination.

Since direct contact of insect pests is required with Kangar 931, Pygar 932, and Kangroshield 100 applications, optimal control is obtained at high volume spray applications per hectare. Volume sprays will vary from crop to crop depending on canopy size (height, width, and density of foliage growth).

Water volume spray per hectare: Standard volume spray required for emerging or transplanted seedling stage up to a canopy height of 50 cm varies between 300 L and 500 L per hectare. For crops with canopy height between 0.5 to 2 m height, volume sprays vary between 500 L and 1000 L per hectare. The tree-volume spray formula needs to be used for the calculation of tree crops where canopy height exceeds 2m and volume sprays are likely to exceed 1200 L per hectare.

No direct contact of insect pests listed on the Garlic Repellent 930 formulation is required due to its strong repelling mode of action and recommended dosage rates to be applied at volume sprays per hectare that will result in thorough coverage of plant surfaces.

 COMPATIBILITY INSTRUCTIONS

Before using in combination with any pesticide, first run a test on a small scale. In case of any uncertainties, contact the registration holder or supplier. Kangar 931, Pygar 932, Kangroshield 100, and Garlic Repellent 930 are classified as soluble concentrate (SL) formulations.

Commercial use of Kannar Earth Science formulations in tank-mix applications have shown compatibility with most suspension concentrate (SC), water dispersible granule (WG), soluble concentrate (SL), emulsifiable concentrate (EC) and wettable powder formulations (fungicides, miticides, and insecticides). Always add the pre-mixture of these formulations to the spray tank as one will use wetting or sticker-extender adjuvants. No wetting agent required with the use of Kangar 931, Pygar 932, and Kangroshield 100 in a tank mix.

The pH of the water source and final tank-mixes play an important role in the optimal efficacy and activity of natural pyrethrum in Pygar 932 and Kangroshield 100. The optimal pH for pyrethrum is typically around 5 to 7. Pyrethrum is known to be stable and most effective in slightly acidic to neutral conditions. Kangar 931 and Garlic Repellent 930 are not adversely affected by the pH of the water source or tank-mixes with other remedies.

All the formulations that contain garlic juice are not compatible with micro-organism formulations containing live fungi, such as for example Beauveria bassiana in a tank-mix. High concentrations of garlic extract have fungicidal activity and can adversely affect live beneficial fungi. Formulations can be applied 3 days before or 5 days after the application of live beneficial fungi formulations used for disease and insect control in a spraying program.

Compatible with formulations containing live bacteria (e.g. Bacillus thuringiensis) and viruses (e.g. granulo-virus) intended for the control of insect pests. The garlic in the formulation will assist in the repelling of winged stage insect pests, with the combined effect of canola oil’s suffocation of small-bodied insects and eggs on direct contact.