Organic Apple Growers in Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island And Saskatchewan Receive Urgently Needed Emergency Use Registration for APPLE MAGGOT

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of an emergency use registration for GF-120 Naturalyte Fruit Fly Bait (spinosad) for suppression of apple maggot in organic apples in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Ontario and Saskatchewan. GF-120 Fruit Fly Bait was already labeled in Canada for control of cherry fruit flies in cherries and blueberry maggot on blueberries. Furthermore a complete minor use label expansion was submitted to seek eventual, full registration of GF-120 for apple maggot control on apples in Canada.

The apple maggot (Rhagoletis pomonella) is indigenous to North America and has been found in all Canadian provinces with the exception of Newfoundland. It is a quarantine pest in Canada, especially widespread throughout eastern Canada, causing fruit damage and significant economic losses. Organic apple producers have only one other pest management option for apple maggot; that being Surround crop protectant. However, Surround provides only suppression of apple maggot and leaves a white, powdery residue on the trees and apples which can be a concern for workers working in the orchard for long periods of time.

Dr. Julia Reekie and Eric Specht of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's research team in Kentville, Nova Scotia conducted efficacy studies for GF-120 in collaboration with OMAFRA and grower cooperators in 2007. This work funded by the Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Pest Management Centre, Pesticide Risk Reduction Program has demonstrated that GF-120 is an effective and viable option for management of apple maggot in Canada.

The emergency use registration of GF-120 Fruit Fly Bait will help to manage apple maggot in organic apple orchards in 2008. The following is provided as general information only. Users should consult the complete label before using GF-120.

GF-120 Fruit Fly Bait can be used for suppression of apple maggot in organic apples in Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan until October 31st, 2008 only.

For the suppression of apple maggot, apply 1.5 litres of GF-120 NF Naturalyte Fruit Fly Bait in 6 litres of water per hectare. Begin applications as soon as monitoring traps indicate flies are present in the orchard and continue coverage until flights stop. Repeat applications every 7 days, reapplying sooner if rain washes off the deposit. Do not apply more than 10 applications per season. Proper application techniques help ensure adequate coverage and correct dosage necessary to obtain optimum control of apple maggot. A large spray droplet size of 4000 to 6000 u (4-6 mm) is recommended to optimize length of bait attraction.

Follow all other directions for use on the GF-120 Fruit Fly Bait label carefully.

GF-120 Fruit Fly Bait should be used in an IPM program and in rotation with other management strategies to adequately manage resistance.

We wish to thank Dr. Julia Reekie, AAFC, Kathryn Carter and Hannah Fraser, OMAFRA for preparing the rationale documents on behalf of Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan organic apple growers as well as the personnel of the agriculture departments of Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, PEI and Nova Scotia for their input, support and assistance. We also wish to thank the personnel of the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Saskatchewan Environment, PEI Environment, Nova Scotia Environment, New Brunswick Environment and Dow AgroSciences Canada for their support of this registration and the personnel of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency for evaluating and approving this important pest management tool. Special thanks are expressed to Nova Scotia Fruit Growers Association who generously covered the submission fee for this emergency use registration.

For copies of the emergency use label contact Kathryn Carter, OMAFRA Apple specialist at Simcoe 519-426-4322, Jim Chaput, OMAFRA, Guelph 519-826-3539 or visit http://www.dowagro.com/ca

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