Gemstar Helicoverpa Management Through BiosciencePlant Protection Product ComparisonPlant Protection Product ComparisonReport inaccuraciesReport inaccuracies

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Gemstar has been specifically designed for use in IPM systems. It is a biological insecticide, and its efficacy depends on environmental conditions, application, and feeding behavior of the pest. When environmental and crop microclimatic conditions are unfavorable for Gemstar, control of the pest may be below expectations. The product acts slowly and can take up to 8 days to kill larvae. Speed of kill and efficacy are dependent on climatic conditions. Warm conditions will favor the performance of Gemstar, as the larvae will be feeding actively and moving around. Daytime temperatures of 25°C to 35°C are ideal for Gemstar performance.

Gemstar needs to be ingested to be effective, so coverage of the target area, where the larvae are feeding, is essential. As Gemstar is readily degraded in the presence of ultraviolet light, it should preferably be applied in the late afternoon or early evening. This will ensure that larvae feeding during the night will have a significant opportunity to ingest the product before it is degraded.

Mixing

Shake the container well before using. Water pH should be neutral (pH 7.0) for optimum performance. Partially fill the spray tank with clean water and add the required volume of product to the water while agitating. Top up the tank with clean water to the required volume. Gemstar should be applied as soon after mixing as possible. The virus can be rendered inactive if the mixture is left to stand overnight.

Application

Chickpeas, Sorghum, and Cotton: Apply in a minimum of 30 L water/ha for aerial application and 100 L water/ha for ground rig application. Use application parameters (nozzles, swath width, pressure, boom height, speed, etc.) to ensure thorough coverage of the target area.

Maize and Sweetcorn: Thorough coverage of the target area is essential. Apply in sufficient water, and use suitable application parameters (nozzles, pressure, boom height, speed, swath width, etc.) to ensure thorough coverage of the target area.

Up to tasseling: Gemstar may be applied by ground-driven or aerial spray equipment, but application by ground rig is recommended for best results.
Silking: Apply Gemstar only by ground-driven spray equipment, preferably through booms fitted with droppers. Application by aerial equipment is not recommended.
Lettuce: Thorough coverage of the target area is essential. Apply by ground rig, in a minimum of 400 L water/ha, and using suitable application parameters (nozzles, pressure, boom height, speed, swath width, etc.) to ensure thorough coverage of the target area.

Further information can be obtained from a Bayer CropScience representative.

Compatibility

Gemstar may be mixed with many commonly used products, including the larvicides Larvin® 375 and Thiodan® EC. Products should be added to the spray tank separately, and the spray mixture used promptly. For the latest information on the compatibility of Gemstar with other products, contact your local Bayer CropScience Area Manager or your local reseller.

PRECAUTIONS

Re-entry Period: Do not allow entry into treated areas until the spray has dried. When prior entry is necessary, wear overalls and elbow-length rubber gloves. Clothing must be washed after each day’s use.

PROTECTION OF LIVESTOCK, WILDLIFE, AND OTHERS

DO NOT contaminate streams, rivers, or waterways with the product or used containers.

STORAGE AND DISPOSAL

Keep out of reach of children. Store in the closed, original container out of direct sunlight. The product can be stored for short periods (less than seven days) at temperatures below 20°C. For longer-term storage, keep refrigerated at or below 4°C. Product stability is ensured for at least 2 years from the date of manufacture if stored under these conditions. Triple or preferably pressure rinse containers before disposal. Add rinsings to the spray tank. Do not dispose of undiluted chemicals on-site. If recycling, replace the cap and return clean containers to the recycler or designated collection point. If not recycling, break, crush, or puncture and bury empty containers in a local authority landfill. If no landfill is available, bury the containers below 500 mm in a disposal pit specifically marked and set up for this purpose clear of waterways, desirable vegetation, and tree roots. Empty containers and product should not be burnt.

SAFETY DIRECTIONS

May irritate the eyes and skin. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Repeated exposure may cause allergic disorders. Sensitive workers should use protective clothing. When opening the container, preparing spray, and using the prepared spray, wear cotton overalls buttoned to the neck and wrist and a washable hat and elbow-length PVC gloves. Wash hands after use. After each day’s use, wash gloves and contaminated clothing.