Pest control on kiwifruit with an insecticidal soap

Abstract

Field trials in 1988-89 and 1989-90 evaluated an insecticidal soap alone, with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or an emulsified vegetable oil for pest control on kiwifruit. Insecticidal soap alone or with vegetable oil, reduced fruit damage by caterpillars (13 and 1%, compared with 41 and 14% on unsprayed vines). Addition of Bt post-flowering, gave control similar to that of a phosmet programme (both 2%). Insecticidal soap did not prevent armoured scale insects infesting leaves and fruit, or thrips damaging leaves. Dormant applications of chlorpyrifos with or without phosmet at before flowering improved early season scale control. Thrips control was enhanced by adding vegetable oil. A blemish resembling water staining affected 40% of the fruit on the vines treated with insecticidal soap alone or with vegetable oil.