SMALL FRUITS

AND BERRIES

Use Recommendations for Control of Worm Pests in Blueberries,

Caneberries, Cranberries, Grapes, Strawberries, and other Small Fruit.

Including: Brown and Blueberry Spanworms, Fruitworms, Grapeleaf Skeletonizer, Armyworms, Leafrollers, Orange Tortrix, Berry Moth, etc.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Mattch Bioinsecticide belongs to a new class of increased residual, high potency, biological insecticides utilizing Mycogen's CellCap® Encapsulation System. The selected Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) delta-endotoxins in Mattch are effective against a broad range of major caterpillar pests, including several caterpillar pests of small fruit and berries. While highly effective against the target pests, Mattch has little or no toxicity to beneficial insects and mammals.

• Mode of Action: Mattch contains two selected Bt delta endotoxins which are potent insect stomach poisons and must be eaten by the target insect to be effective. Once eaten the biotoxins disrupt the larva's digestive system, resulting in starvation and death one to five days later. Mattch is most effective against small worms (1st and 2nd instar caterpillars) feeding in small fruits and berries.
• CellCap Encapsulation System: Mattch utilizes the CellCap Encapsulation System, a patented process which produces an easy to use and highly stable aqueous formulation that provides excellent field performance and shelf life. Conventional Bt's degrade rapidly on the leaf surfaces due to the adverse effects of heat, sunlight, and other environmental factors. This degradation renders the biotoxins ineffective against feeding larvae. The CellCap process biologically encapsulates the toxins and protects them from rapid environmental degradation. As a result Mattch provides greater foliar persistence than traditional Bt products and, thereby, delivers more consistent, longer lasting control of caterpillar pests.
• Two Active Ingredients: Mattch contains two delta-endotoxins of Bacillus thuringiensis. The CryIA(c) delta-endotoxin from B. thuringiensis variety kurstaki was selected based on its superior activity on a number of important lepidopteran (caterpillar) pests including spanworms, fruitworms and leafrollers. The CryIC delta-endotoxin from B. thuringiensis var. aizawai was selected because of its superior activity on armyworms and a variety of other pests, including some species resistant to other Bt toxins.

STEPS FOR SUCCESSFUL RESULTS

1. Scout for eggs and apply Mattch when newly hatched larvae are present. Mattch is most effective when applications are targeted at 1st and 2nd instar larvae before they can penetrate the plant's foliage, stems, or fruit.
2. Scout fields 4 to 7 days after application to determine the effectiveness of the treatment, and to assess the need for subsequent applications.
3. Repeat Mattch applications as needed to control reinfestations or increasing pest pressure. More than one application per week may be necessary when larval populations are high.
4. Reapply Mattch if rain occurs within six hours after treatment.

GENERAL USE GUIDELINES:

• Stand alone: Use Mattch at 2-4 quarts per acre when used as a stand alone. For most uses 2-3 quarts per acre will be effective.
• Tank mix: In most situations, Mattch should be applied at 1-3 quarts per acre when tank mixed with other pesticides that are directed at the same lepidopteran pest(s).
• Uniform and complete coverage of the foliage where larvae are feeding is essential for good control. Use of a high quality spreader/sticker may improve coverage and retention on hard to wet surfaces or where wash off is a concern.
  • Aerial applications - Do not use less than 5 gallons per acre total spray volume.
  • Ground applications - Application water volume should be sufficient to ensure complete coverage of the crop. A minimum of 20 GPA is recommended for applications using ground equipment. Use appropriate nozzle types (hollow-cone, etc.) in multiple nozzle arrays that provide good spray coverage. Apply Mattch in volumes that wet, but do not run off the crop.
  • Chemigation - Mattch can be applied through sprinkler, roll, traveler, big gun, solid set, or hand move irrigation systems. For best results use irrigation levels of 0.15 to 0.5 inches of water per acre. Shake the product container before pouring or pumping into the nurse tank. Product may be injected undiluted and does not require agitation in the nurse tank.

APPLICATION TIMING:

Always target sprays against newly hatched larvae. For optimal timing, monitor moth flights, and scout for eggs and newly hatched larvae.

Bloom Sprays: Applications made during bloom will not harm foraging bees and for this reason will ensure good pollination.

Always read and carefully follow all product labels.

Mattch is a trademark of the Mycogen Corporation. CellCap is a registered trademark of Mycogen Corporation.

Mattch EPA Reg. No. 53219-10 MYC. JJ#2210 3/96