How can currants be sprayed in spring for bud mite?

How can currants be sprayed in spring for bud mite? - briefly

Apply horticultural oil or sulfur at the green‑tip stage in early spring, covering all foliage and buds thoroughly; repeat the application 7–10 days later if conditions remain favorable for the mite. Ensure coverage is complete and avoid spraying during extreme heat or rain to maintain efficacy.

How can currants be sprayed in spring for bud mite? - in detail

Spraying currant bushes in early spring targets the bud mite before egg hatch, reducing population buildup. Begin applications when buds are still closed, typically when temperatures reach 5–10 °C (41–50 °F) and before leaf emergence.

1. Select an appropriate miticide

   • Sulfur‑based products (e.g., wettable sulfur) provide contact action and are approved for organic use.
   • Synthetic acaricides such as abamectin, spirodiclofen, or bifenthrin are effective but require adherence to pre‑harvest intervals.
   • Oil‑based sprays (horticultural oil, neem oil) suffocate mites and can be used in conjunction with sulfur for resistance management.

2. Prepare the spray mixture

   • Follow label rates precisely; for wettable sulfur, dissolve 2–3 kg per 100 L of water.
   • Add a non‑ionic surfactant (0.5 % v/v) to improve leaf coverage.
   • Adjust pH to 6.0–6.5 for optimal sulfur activity; use a mild acid if necessary.

3. Calibrate equipment

   • Set sprayer to deliver 200–250 L ha⁻¹, achieving a fine, uniform mist.
   • Use low‑pressure nozzles (100–150 kPa) to minimize runoff and drift.

4. Application timing

   • First spray: when buds are in tight stage (BBCH 50).
   • Second spray: 7–10 days later, coinciding with early bud swelling (BBCH 51).
   • Optional third spray: if weather conditions remain cool and mite pressure is high, apply a third treatment before full leaf expansion (BBCH 52).

5. Coverage considerations

   • Ensure thorough wetting of all bud surfaces, including undersides.
   • Avoid excessive runoff; excess moisture can promote fungal diseases.

6. Safety and environmental measures

   • Wear protective gloves, goggles, and a respirator rated for particulate matter.
   • Do not spray during rain or high wind (>5 m s⁻¹) to reduce off‑target drift.
   • Observe re‑entry intervals specified on the product label.

7. Resistance management

   • Rotate between sulfur and a synthetic acaricide with a different mode of action each season.
   • Incorporate cultural controls such as pruning out heavily infested shoots and maintaining good air circulation.

8. Post‑application monitoring

   • Inspect buds 5–7 days after each spray for mite presence.
   • Record mite counts to assess efficacy and adjust future schedules.

By adhering to these steps, growers can effectively suppress bud mite populations on currant plants during the critical spring period, preserving fruit quality and yield.