A Natural barrier to stop the advance of Tuta absoluta on African tomato has been launched after extensive trials giving highly successful results.
By recharging the soil with the same beneficial organisms nature uses to keep the insect population in balance, the new solution called RECHARGE shown to keep the pest level below harmful level.
Russell IPM unveiled its approach to preventing Tuta absoluta from establishing harmful population level in tomato fields by deploying nature’s own weapons.
Dr Shakir Al-Zaidi commented “single soil application at the start of the season will provide a lasting effect on the Tuta absoluta population throughout the growing season”
Best results can be achieved in areas where the Tuta absoluta has just arrived and the population started to build up. RECHARGE can stop the population from growing to a harmful level and will slow down the advance of the pest to further areas.
“This is a new strategy designed to halt the progress of Tuta abaluta in Africa. A strategy based on prevention rather than cure. We are thrilled to announce that finally a sustainable preventative measure has finally arrived. ” Dr Al-Zaidi added
The beneficial microbes dwell the soil for millions of years and they have been doing a wonderful job in keeping the balance between different insects and rebalancing the soil in which the plant grows and flourish. RECHARGE will help bring the population of Tuta absoluta within the natural balance and will not allow it to breach that balance.
Since RECHARGE is based on natural living organisms, which can grow and multiply in the soil naturally, one simple application to the soil provides sustainable and cost effective season long protection.
Large scale trials in Africa has demonstrated that fields protected by RECHARGE required substantially reduced amount of pesticides saving farmers considerable cost and reduced the consumer’s health risk to associated with the over-use of pesticides.
The Results of the extensive trials conducted by Dr Maneno Yoram Chidege from the Tropical Pesticide Research Institute, Arusha, Tanzania, will be presented next month during the All Africa Horticultural Congress in Nigeria.
- Tuta absoluta a serious pest threatening Tomato product in Africa crossed from Spain and continuing its advance in Africa and not expected to stop until it reaches South Africa.
- Tuta absoluta has demonstrated that it can also threaten other key crops such as potato.
- The key problem associated with this pest is its fast life cycle (28 days in typical conditions) and could multiply 10-12 times a year in African conditions. It can develop resistance to pesticides quickly prompting farmers to use higher does than recommended, cocktails of potent and persistent pesticides capable of inflicting serious harm on consumer health.
- Russell IPM a company based in the UK which following the advance of Tuta absoluta since its crossing to Spain from Latin America ten years ago. The company provided solutions as well as management strategies to most of the countries where pest has passed giving it an extensive experience in this pest and its management.
