Z Contracting Ltd

Crop Protection Applicators.

Z Contracting Limited

216 Pongakawa Bush Road

R.D.6

Te Puke

To contact us:

Phone: 021 907 621

E-mail: zcl@zanadu.co.nz

News Sheet

Crop Protection Programme 2008-2009 - This is now available on the Zespricanopy web site.

Please make sure you have a copy of this document and understand the ramifications of the changes made this year, particularly relating to mesurol use (bird counts must be recorded) and scale control (Lorsban use post blossom under a J.A. Will be much more difficult to obtain and there are likely to be serious penalties attached).  Please be aware of the note regarding the number of pre-blossom sprays allowed—talk to your packhouse regarding this. If this part of the programme is done well there is less likelihood of a scale blowout later in the season.

What is next? - As usual, timing of sprays is important, there is usually only a small window to get optimum results. Orchard operations need to be planned around the spraying programme, not the other way around. Good access to a quality water supply and a freshly mown orchard is beneficial for everyone. With the best will in the world, we don’t know what is happening on your orchard so giving us timely notice of sprays due really assists us to plan for your benefit.

BEES AND POLLINATION

Honey bees are essential to the kiwifruit industry, and can be harmed by some sprays, so that it is important to:

• mow the sward prior to all spring insecticide applications to remove flowers that attract bees from outside the orchard,

• observe label restrictions on product use,

• only spray during flowering if it cannot be avoided,

• choose the most appropriate chemical option if any danger of harm to bees,

• during flowering spray only when bees are not active, generally before 8 am or after 3 pm,

• create buffer zones around hives to protect against drift or tractor damage,

• maintain contact with your neighbours throughout the year in case they have bees foraging on other crops.

It is illegal to apply sprays which are toxic to bees to plants, including sward plants, when in flower.

(Refer to the KiwiTech Bulletin “Bee Safety” and the Kiwifruit Pollination Manual).

Notification of Neighbours and Staff/Contractors - Notification of spraying to your neighbours is important , all sprays (even the safe ones) we apply need to be notified to your neighbours. Other people working on the orchard also need to be notified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Updated News Sheets - If you email us at  zcl@zanadu.co.nz with your email address, I will be able to add you to the list of those who I notify when this page is updated. 

Bookmark -  http://www.zcl.zanadu.info/

Date: 24/11/2009