Title
A kaolin-based particle film suppresses certain insect and fungal pests while reducing heat stress in apples
Abstract
The application of non-toxic particle films to suppress arthropod pests and diseases in crop plants is a promising recent development in horticulture. Experiments were conducted in two orchards in southwest Missouri to evaluate a specific particle film's effectiveness against such pests in apples [Malus sylvestris (L.) Mill. var. domestica (Borkh) Manst.]. A newly-developed kaolin-based product, Surround WP (Engelhard Corp., Iselin, NJ), was applied at five different rates and frequencies throughout two growing seasons. The product was successful at suppressing plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar Herbst) damage to fruits, red-banded leafroller (Argyrotaenia velutinana Walker) damage to leaves (but not consistently to fruits), flyspeck (Zygophiala jamaicensis Mason) and sooty blotch [Gloeodes pomigena (Schwein.) Colby] diseases on fruits, and a Phoma leaf spot (Phoma sp.), but was not consistently effective against cedar apple rust (Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae Schwein). Overall grade of apple was improved with particle film applications. Generally, higher rates and more frequent applications resulted in better pest suppression. The particle film coating also reduced plant stress during extreme temperature conditions. Results suggest that kaolin-based particle films have potential applications in integrated management of apple pests, while providing some physiological benefits to the plants.
Department(s)
Environmental Plant Science and Natural Resources
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2004
Recommended Citation
Thomas, Andrew L., Mark E. Muller, Brian R. Dodson, Mark R. Ellersieck, and Martin Kaps. "A kaolin-based particle film suppresses certain insect and fungal pests while reducing heat stress in apples." Journal of the American Pomological Society 58, no. 1 (2004): 42.
Journal Title
Journal of the American Pomological Society
