New Approaches to Test the Field Efficacy of Plant Protection Products on Tortrix Moth Control in Apple Orchards

摘要

The field efficacy of granuloviruses depends not only on the resistance characteristics of the tortrix moth population but also on ultraviolet light exposure which has a strong negative influence on product stability. Plant production products (PPPs)containing the granulovirus require protection against ultraviolet irradiation. Efficacy testing of such products in an open orchard needs a high and even pest infestation. In the Lake Constance apple growing region artificial conditions to test PPPs inthe open field are used to help ensure sufficient pest pressure within the experimental plots. Since 2009, the Kompetenzzentrum Obstbau-Bodensee (KOB) has conducted efficacy testing of PPPs using field cages. Different types of cages have provided satisfactory results. But factors such as the workload and the cage cost also need to be considered when choosing the most appropriate cage type for use in field studies. A small, low cost cage can be used for provisional tests but a larger more expensive cageprovided the best results.