By John Wood, Certis USA Regional Manager

In orchards this month, almonds are filled, hardening and approaching hull split. For those of you in the valley that are considering an early hull split application, I’d like to suggest that the bioinsecticide/miticide PFR-97 would be an excellent selection for keeping your mite populations down. Consider making it a tankmix partner with a miticide/insecticide growth regulator, such as Onager. PFR-97 won’t disrupt beneficials, and it’s an excellent tool for use in resistance management programs.

PFR-97 is an effective miticide with an interesting mode of action. Its active ingredient is a naturally occurring fungus Paecilomyces fumosoroseus strain Apopka 97 (originally isolated by the University of Florida). Its fungal spores are highly virulent to a broad host range of pests, including spider mites. It infects all life stages (eggs, larva, nymphs and adults). When applied, the PFR-97 fungus infects, penetrates and kills the mite or insect. Dark spots are visible at the points of infection. Once infected the fungus parasitizes the mite causing death shortly after. 

It is that unusual mode of action that makes PFR-97 so valuable in reducing the development of resistance to materials in your tankmix. Plus, it has a 4-hour REI and is residue exempt, so there are no MRLs or limitations on where you export your almond crop.

Next issue we’ll discuss doing ant surveys—an important chore for this time of the year. Until next time.