In Focus: Four Questions With Sarah Markle And Johnny Land
July 1, 2010 1. Florida Grower (FLG): What fit do biorational products have in the production of Florida’s fresh produce?
Markle: “For more than 30 years, Florida growers have used biorational products for highly selective biologically based pest control. Biorational products, such as DiPel and XenTari insecticides, are used in conjunction with traditional chemistry crop inputs to produce high-quality vegetables and fruits while minimizing environmental footprint and government reportable chemical residues. This is just one progressive example of Florida fruit and vegetable growers practicing sustainable agriculture by integration of biorational and traditional crop inputs to create the safest quality produce in the world. When integrated as part of IPM programs, biorational products play a key role in the preservation of traditional chemistries by providing resistance management benefits.”
2. (FLG): Should growers be aware of maximum residue levels (MRLs) or residue in general and how they could impact the marketability of their produce?
Markle: “Absolutely. In our global food economy, growers and packer/shippers are increasingly impacted by foreign MRL regulations. In addition to learning about these trends, growers have the option of choosing products with no MRL limitations. Currently the best information on MRLs is in the joint USDA and EPA free database (www.mrldatabase.com).”
3. (FLG): As a company, how is Valent U.S.A. Corp. addressing citrus greening?
Land: “From the initial discovery of the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) to the subsequent detection of HLB, Valent U.S.A. Corporation has been working proactively with the Florida Extension service and industry representatives to address grower needs for vector management. In fact, Danitol 2.4 EC was the first pyrethroid to be approved for low-volume application in Florida. Valent also sponsored a 2010 Greening Summit which enabled Florida, Texas, California, and Latin American industry and governmental personnel to share the most up to date information for management of ACP and HLB.”
4. (FLG): Is there anything in the pipeline that would be of interest to Florida growers?
Land: “Yes. We are excited to launch Belay 50 WDG, containing a new insecticide active ingredient (clothianidin) to control pepper weevil, stinkbugs, and other pests in Florida vegetables. In addition, Belay insecticide registration is pending for use on non-bearing citrus trees to assist in protecting young replacement trees from ACP and HLB.”