Woolly apple aphid (WAA) is known for its distinctive, long, white, waxy secretions reminiscent of cotton wool.
In young trees, infestations of WAA can stunt growth or even kill.
Whilst more mature trees are able to tolerate sap-feeding, they are still susceptible to damage caused by insects and sooty mould which develops on the honeydew that WAA secrete.
Control
WAA is increasingly prevalent in apple orchards.
It is suggested that the rise in numbers can be attributed in part to broad spectrum sprays which destroy the beneficial pests that keep WAA in check.
Transform™ insecticide from Dow Agro-Sciences controls woolly apple aphid, longtailed mealybug, tuber mealybug and apple dimpling bug in pome fruit.
Transform is a selective insecticide targeting sucking pests. This means it is soft on beneficials allowing them to continue to control pests long after spraying.
The rapid knockdown of pests afforded by Transform very quickly stops the transmission of viruses and diseases and is thought to be responsible for the reduced incidence of virus post-application in some crops.
Using Transform
Transform for woolly aphid control
Transform: 40 mL/100 L will give very good control of WAA.
A single application of any product is unlikely to give satisfactory control of WAA—especially of heavy infestations—so plan to make two applications 14 to 21 days apart.
These could be two applications of Transform; or one of Transform and one of another effective product.
Transform for apple dimpling bug control
Low numbers of apple dimpling bug can cause extensive damage very early in the season.
Transform: 30 mL/100 L will give good control.
One or two applications should be made in the lead up to flowering.
Transform is toxic to bees while the spray deposit is wet. Aim to apply Transform early in the morning or in the evening after bees have stopped foraging.
Transform for mealybug control
Mealybugs affect tree thrift and are also a problem on maturing fruit where they hide under calyces. Mealybugs are important quarantine pests.
Transform: 40 mL/100 L will give very good control of longtailed mealybug.
Best control will be achieved when crawlers (the immature stage) are sprayed as they are easily targeted and do not cause damage until they develop further.
Two applications 14 to 21 days apart will usually create a break in the population cycle.
For more information visit dowagrosciences.com.au
See Tree Fruit Dec 2014
