HSE has issued an EAMU for the use of Certis’ insecticide Gazelle SG (acetamiprid) for the control of virus transmitting aphids and cabbage root fly in a range of root crops.
Carrot and parsnip growers in particular will be relieved by this news following the loss of Biscaya (thiacloprid) in early 2021 which had left them dangerously short of options to achieve season-long protection.
The EAMU permits use of Gazelle SG to control willow–carrot aphid (Cavariella aegopodii) and peach–potato aphid (Myzus persicae) on carrots and willow–parsnip aphid (Cavariella theobaldi) and parsnip aphid (Cavariella pastinacae) on parsnips.
When the BCGA drew up a carrot risk register for pests, diseases, and weeds last year, aphid/virus came top of the list with the risk acknowledged to be due to the lack of insecticide knockdown products.
Root Crop Consultancy’s Howard Hinds says that there was agreement that Gazelle SG would be most effective when willow-carrot aphid migration is in its early stages and before aphid predators have built up.
“Early aphid knockdown is important as transmission of viruses such as parsnip yellow fleck virus (PYFV) and carrot yellow leaf virus (CYF) are very rapid.
“Acetamiprid is a true knockdown active [substance] which will help to strengthen virus control programmes in carrots and parsnips.”
The EAMU is for one application of Gazelle SG per crop at a maximum individual dose of 200g/ha in a water volume of 200-400 litres water/ha with a 5m aquatic buffer zone.
Latest time of application is GS41 which in carrots and parsnips is when the root is beginning to expand and has a diameter less than 0.5cm.
Additionally, it must not be used beyond 31st July or within 28 days of harvest.
The EAMU also covers control of virus transmitting aphids on red beet, parsley root, Jerusalem artichoke and celeriac and control of cabbage root fly on swede, turnip, radish, and horseradish.