1. Protecting Available Chemistry, MARCH, 2019
CAL Conference – Managing Chemical Use to Protect Available Chemistry, Justin Lane
Protecting Available Chemistry, MARCH, 2019

2. MFC – Development of Pesticide Strategy
MFC have developed a pesticide strategy (book) for our growers
Market driven - need to ensure all fruit is safe with MRL’s to sell to all available markets
MFC is export focused – approx. 80% is exported
We have 140+ growers of varying supply volume
Encourage our growers with IPM and use of Pest Scouts
Assess Spray Diaries/Declarations of all growers prior to each season

3. Main Pests of Concern for Sunraysia/Riverland/Riverina
Main pests affecting pack-outs;
Red Scale
Katydid & Thrips
Loopers & LBAM
Soft Scales and Mealybugs – sooty mould
Spined Citrus Bug
Main pests for Quarantine
FRW for KCT
Some Mealybugs – Japan
LBAM & some snails – USA
Fruit Fly Larvae – cold treatment markets
Main pests for tree vigour
CGW – particularly on sensitive varieties

4. Chemical Companies Investing in our Industry – New Chemistry
MFC has put a big focus on the KCT markets over the past 7-8 years
New chemistry for the KCT program includes;
Samurai® (soil drench/fertigation, systemic) – now registered for FRW, CGW, RS & leafminer, previously on permit for CGW
Exirel® (foliar spray) – FRW, LBAM & KCT
Trunk Sprays used previously – some growers still using this method

5. Trying to protect the longevity of our chemicals with our Growers
Most chemistry eventually develops resistance – try to rotate to ensure longevity
MFC’s Pesticide Strategy includes chemical options for target pests at specific timings – understand ‘not one size fits all’
Worked closely with chemical companies to rotate chemistry (protect longevity)
KCT program has seen the introduction of some new chemistry

6. Encourage growers to rotate chemistry
We try to encourage growers to rotate their chemistry and not use a particular product for more than 2 consecutive years or 3 at the most
Good products (FRW chemistry) need to be protected – products like Movento® for R.S. in our growing area, should be rotated out every few years
Encourage the use of Paraffinic oils & products like wetcit® where appropriate

7. Development of MFC – Pest Management Strategy Booklet
We have 2 different strategies for KCT;
Neonicotinoid (systemic soil applied insecticides) – 2 chemistry options
Non-Neonicotinoid – 5 chemistry options
We have 1 strategy for non KCT growers with 4 chemistry options

8. Chemical Companies Investing in our Industry

9. USA - Chlorpyrifos Ban of Chlorpyrifos in the USA is a game changer
Was some resistance showing in high pest pressure orchards to Chlorpyrifos
This chemical came back as the most regular positive in our own chemical residue testing
Let our growers apply to early season pests this past growing season if required, although avoided varieties we will send to the USA – Afourer’s, Cara’s & Bloods, will send other varieties to other markets
Will not be using at all from next season onwards – will be updating our MFC Pesticide Booklet to reflect this

10. Europe Market Neonicotinoids are getting bad publicity in the UK
Not sure of the lifespan of these products being used on fruit going to these markets – most likely very limited unfortunately
Programs of Afourers into Europe may need to increase with increased volumes into the future

11. MFC – Alternative Products
Use of alternative products for pests;
Recent trip to Spain – Rio Tinto Farms using pheromones for R.S. & Mealy, up to 12 Months protection
Pheromones already being used in Australia on LBAM in some cases
TAKE HOME MESSAGE – WORK WITH YOUR PACKER FOR THE MARKETS YOU ARE SENDING YOUR FRUIT TO