Big tick for Mavrik® Aquaflo now registered for forage brassicas

The approval of Mavrik^® Aquaflo Insecticide (Mavrik) for forage brassicas is welcomed news for spray contractors according to ADAMA New Zealand Commercial Manager Daren Mabey.

Daren says while the entire industry is acutely aware of user safety, and the need to protect beneficial insects, Mavrik’s forage brassica label extension has been eagerly awaited by those at the coalface.  “We were being asked about it all the time. Contractors are definitely looking for softer and kinder chemistry and Mavrik Aquaflo fits the bill.”

Mavrik Aquaflo, a break-through synthetic pyrethroid (SP), was launched in New Zealand in 2021 for the use in beet crops. Daren says while the industry has a tendency to be cautious about adopting new chemistry for crops where the stakes are high, Mavrik Aquaflo proved an exception. “The benefits stood out from the start, it’s very effective at combatting destructive pests while avoiding harm to users and beneficial insects. It received a big tick!”

Tau-fluvalinate, the unique, low toxicity active in Mavrik Aquaflo is proven to be much safer for beneficials, than other SPs available in the market.

Nor is that at the expense of efficacy.

Trials have shown that Mavrik Aquaflo provided a high degree of Nysius (Nysius huttoni) control and reduction of plant damage following one or two applications and prevented significant cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon aneituma) plant damage.

Daren adds that, Mavrik Aquaflo could provide up to a month’s control compared with just 36-48 hours for organo phosphates (OPs). “That’s a significant advantage.”

Mavrik Aquaflo affects the nervous system of Nysius and cutworm after direct contact or ingestion. While these pests are overcome, the impact on beneficials including; ground beetles, bees and parasitic wasps, lacewings, hoverflies and ladybirds is minimal.

If uncontrolled, the economic impact of Nysius and cutworm can be substantial for farmers investing in high value forage brassica crops.

Nysius (also known as wheat bug) sucks the phloem from the shoots and young stems of emerging seedlings, leaving them weakened and prone to wind damage. Particularly common in warm, dry areas Nysius is a New Zealand native and is widely found Nationwide.

Young cutworm will forage on leaves while the larger more destructive caterpillars can chew through seedlings, taking them out at ground level with devastating results.

Daren says Mavrik Aquaflo is entirely crop safe when applied to seedlings at cotyledon stage in a tank-mixture with ADAMA herbicides and other commonly used pesticides.

Application of Mavrik Aquaflo is recommended at seedling stage only when Nysius are active as temperatures rise during the day, as a first post-emergence spray, especially for fodder beet crops. “Apply at first sign of pest presence and ensure good coverage of plants and surrounding soil.”

For more information on ADAMA products contact your local rural merchant, ADAMA Commercial Manager or visit www.adama.com.