UPL – Du-Wett® Super-Spreader Adjuvant

Orchardists seeing adjuvant in a new light.

David Lingan, UPL NZ adjuvant product manager, says with rising fuel and labour costs, and increased sensitivity around water use, apple growers are re-evaluating adjuvant use. “Previously, adjuvants were often considered an ‘extra’. In fact, correct use of Du-Wett Super Spreader improves spread and efficacy of crop protection products and at a much lower water application volume.” David says spraying is faster, with less refilling and travelling reducing diesel and labour. “For example, if an application volume of 2,000 L/ha is normal, using Du-Wett Super Spreader the same product performance can be achieved with 500–1,000 L/ha depending on tree size and orchard management practices. For an orchard with multiple blocks that can be significant.” “Du-Wett pays for itself. Savings are measurable and can be calculated.” David says rising costs have sharpened growers’ focus on expenses. “Previously, for many, costs were just part of doing business. But actually, even water isn’t free!” Further, the attitude that “more water is better” has been challenged. Apple industry research into Du-Wett dates back to 2004 over a few large-scale commercial trials. All showed equivalent or greater efficacy compared to conventional water volumes. In Du-Wett treated blocks, the Pipfruit NZ (New Zealand Apple & Pears) trial also found residue of dodine, captan, and tebufenozide on fruit at harvest was lower compared to high water volume treatments. Sprays were more evenly spread and distributed across the fruit surface reducing drip points where concentrations of active ingredient can be found. Russet incidence was also lower in the Du-Wett treated block. The first input of Du-Wett in the apple crop protection programme can be as early as with dormant oil applications. Oil-Mate® Ⅱ, an oil adjuvant, is firstly mixed with the oil to enhance its spread and coverage. (Du-Wett spreads the water.) This combination, of an oil spreader (Oil-Mate) and Du-Wett, is the first step to utilising low volume adjuvant spraying technology. Dodine applications in the lower water volume with Du-Wett can be used as the standard fungicide/adjuvant combination from pink in a normal crop protection programme right up to harvest. Du-Wett has excellent crop safety and is compatible with most commonly used protection products in the pipfruit spray programme. The label’s use rate was developed to optimise the benefit of Du-Wett and tank mix partner(s). Following these directions will ensure maximum efficacy. Organic growers can now also benefit from all the features and benefit of Du-Wett with new Du-Wett Organic, a BioGro certified Super Spreader. If wet weather protection is needed, Bond Xtra, a spreader containing synthetic latex, is recommended.

For more advice, ask your technical representative, or for information on saving costs with Du-Wett, contact