The SPLAT-o-Gator applying SPLAT GBM to a vineyard in Michigan.
DECEMBER 15,
2008
THE SPLAT-O-GATOR PROVIDES A QUICK AND EASY WAY TO APPLY SPLAT IN GRAPE VINEYARDS, AS FEATURED IN THE FRUIT GROWERS NEWS MAGAZINE
ISCA Technologies’ SPLAT mating disruption formulation for grape berry moth Paralobesia viteana was featured in The Fruit Growers News magazine November issue article: “SPLAT offers new method to apply pheromones.”
The grape berry moth has become an increasingly damaging pest in the eastern United States where it causes severe losses in vineyards. Conventional methods of control include the use of up to four broad-spectrum insecticides which may become unavailable under new regulations from the Food Quality Protection Act. Pheromones have been used successfully in the past using twist ties, but have faced resistance due to the high labor cost.
The SPLAT-o-Gator was designed by three entomologists at Michigan State University who wanted a faster, more economical method to apply SPLAT GBM to their vineyards. Rufus Isaacs, Keith Mason and Luis Teixeira started with a standard John Deere Gator and mounted a canister of SPLAT, a bottle of compressed air, hoses and solenoids. The solenoids mounted to a fabricated metal frame that extends over the vineyard rows. The entire setup was created for about $600 (see video at bottom of the SPLAT-o-Gator in action).
The machine was calibrated to release 2 pounds of SPLAT GBM per acre in dollops of 0.8 milliliters at 10 miles per hour. This allows the grower to treat an acre in five to seven minutes, using approximately 5 gallons of fuel.
Three studies were conducted in 2008 to evaluate the efficacy of SPLAT GBM against the grape berry moth. These studies evaluated the rate of application, the timing of application and the possibility of treating neighboring woodlots.
The study found that the optimal rate of application was 1 kg per acre, applied prior to moth emergence in the spring. A second application in mid-July can be applied for greater control in areas with a high level of pest population (see below for moth capture data).
The R&D of SPLAT GBM is funded in part by the USDA SBIR program. The development of SPLAT GBM and the SPLAT-o-Gator is yet another example of ISCA’s strong track record of synergizing the efforts and resources of academia, growers, industry and federal (USDA) entities.
About The Fruit Growers News magazine
The Fruit Growers News is a tabloid size magazine publication for commercial fruit growers and others related to the fruit industry.
For over 45 years, The Fruit Growers News has covered timely issues affecting growers across the nation, along with featuring top-notch operations and hosting columns from numerous Extension and university specialists.
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