Elders Ltd.
Elders Ltd.
11/15/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/15/2021 00:06
24-hour reporting helps pin-point optimum time to spray broadleaf crops for grubs
15 Nov 21
24-hour reporting helps pin-point optimum time to spray broadleaf crops for grubs
Innovative grub monitoring system Trapview by ADAMA is helping growers and agronomists throughout South Australia and Victoria to understand the optimum window of opportunity to target grubs and their hatch within a crop.
Traditionally the best way for agronomists to determine if a crop has reached grub thresholds is through standard sweeping, which involves entering the paddock and manually sweeping the crop to search for evidence of grubs.
Elders agronomist Beth Sleep said that whilst working this way provides an insight into what grubs are active in the crop, it is time consuming.
"ADAMA's Trapview works to eliminate these questions by providing regional data through a network approach," explained Beth.
"It is a great awareness tool for agronomist to see regional results , like if a flight of moths has been through, and provide data for other growers in the area."
How does it work?
Trapview uses pheromones to attract moths and can then quantify flights daily to generate a 24-hour report.
At a glance, the 'trap' looks fairly simple in both structure and assembly. This green mailbox uses modest, yet effective technology to attract, trap and report on moth activity in a crop.
To attract moths, the device is loaded with a pheromone specifically selected to attract the moth you are searching for. Once the moth has entered the trap it will become stuck to a sticky sheet laid on the trap floor. A camera within the unit will take photographs of the pests caught and through machine learning technology it is able to report on the quantity of moths caught in that 24-hour period.
Finally, the trap will remove the used sticky sheet and reset with a fresh sheet to run the same process over the next 24 hours.
What are the benefits of using this technology?
Aside from reducing manual sweeping, Beth says that the technology helps to pin point a time when the moth has entered the crop, and identify if and when a second flight has occurred.
"Being able to identify a 24-hour period that the moth has entered the crop means that we can determine when they laid their eggs. The eggs will hatch within 10 to 14 days, which means there is now a window of opportunity to spray the crop, not only for the active pests, but to spray also for the hatchlings," said Beth.
"This allows us to determine the best time to spray the crop so as to not miss subsequent flights as we would if we sprayed too early."
On an aggregate, regional level, daily report giving insight to the quantity of grubs seen across the region in a 24-hour period.
"The reports provide us (agronomists) with trends occurring right now across the region meaning we can be on alert for clients in different locations," said Beth.
"We know that moths fly in from the north and can see flights coming in this way providing foresight of what is to come. This is valuable information and can help to get on the front foot of any problems that may arise."
Beth uses Trapview technology as another tool, in conjunction with sweeping when making spray recommendations to her clients.
"Trapview is a great tool that allows me to provide my clients with the best advice, in conjunction with manual sweeping, to determine the individual paddock's situation."
"The more agronomists using this type of technology, the greater the data available to the entire network, so I encourage growers and agronomists to look into how it can assist with crop monitoring in their own patch."
Speak to your local agronomist to see how the ADAMA Trapview can help you.