As pollination season approaches, growers across the state are brushing up on their BMPs to best protect blooms and bees during this integral part of the growing season. Most growers received a mailed copy of the Almond Board’s Honey Bee Best Management Practices (BMPs) last month, which is also available online.
In addition to the key practices outlined in the BMPs, University of California publication Fungicide, Bactericide, and Biological Tables for Fruit, Nut, Strawberry, and Vine Crops1 recommends that unless it is specifically noted as necessary on the product label, “most fungicide products do not need additional adjuvants mixed into the sprayer tank to improve performance.” According to the publication, “most fungicides are formulated with adjuvants including wetting agents, spreaders, and stickers.”
Also stated in the recommendations, “Although there is limited information on the interaction of adjuvants and fungicides with honey bees, it is best to follow a conservative approach. Because adjuvants may increase the wettability of bees and subsequently the potential toxicity of fungicides, adjuvants should not be used in fungicide applications during bloom or when there is high honey bee activity in the field.”
The recommendations go on to say that “with few exceptions, adjuvants do not statistically improve the efficacy of fungicides for managing diseases.” Choosing to forego additional adjuvants with bloom fungicide sprays, where appropriate, can have the added benefit of cost savings for growers.
By being mindful of all pest control inputs, almond growers can continue to protect one of their most important production inputs and essential pollination partner – honey bees – and continue to protect their crops from pathogens.
For those looking for more information on adjuvants and fungicides, the full document can be accessed in the link above.
