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Botanigard WP is a proven bio-pesticide containing 220 g/kg of the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana for the control of whitefly in various protected crops.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE
IMPORTANT: This information is approved as part of the Product Label. All instructions within this section must be read carefully in order to obtain safe and successful use of this product.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Botanigard WP is a microbiological insecticide based on the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. The product is formulated as a wettable powder and contains 4.4 x 1010 CFU/g MPCA (minimum 3.7 x 1010 CFU/g, with a maximum of 5.2 x 1010 CFU/g) (CFU = Colony forming units) Botanigard WP will contribute to glasshouse whitefly control as part of an IPM programme. Please note Botanigard WP may be harmful to natural enemies. Consult your supplier of natural enemies on the use of Botanigard WP in combination with the use of natural enemies. Botanigard WP may have adverse effects on bumble bees. Please seek further advice on the use of this product with pollinators.

MODE OF ACTION
Beauveria bassiana is a fungus found naturally in soils and occurs as a disease, white muscadine in insects. When spores of this fungus come in contact with the cuticle of susceptible insects, they germinate and grow directly through the cuticle to the inner body of their host. Here the fungus proliferates throughout the insect's body, producing toxins and draining the insect of nutrients, eventually killing it.

Application timing
For glasshouse pests, it is important that Botanigard WP is applied as soon as the insect pests are detected. Applications every 5-7 days are recommended. The rate at which Beauveria spores kill their host is dependent on temperature and relative humidity. Beauveria bassiana spores are inactivated by sunlight, therefore applications should be carried out in the evening.

Spraying Technique
Botanigard WP works by contact only, therefore to work effectively it is important to get good crop coverage. The foliage should be sprayed until the plants are wet thoroughly, but not to run-off. Continuous agitation should be maintained throughout the spraying operation. Equipment that gets the material to the undersides of the leaves will result in prolonged activity, as spores are inactivated by sunlight.

Mixing
Fill sprayer with half the required volume of water (using mains water) and commence agitation. Add measured quantity of Botanigard WP and complete filling of sprayer with water to the required volume. Ensure product is thoroughly mixed before application.

STORAGE
Store in a cool dry place. Avoid storage below freezing temperatures or above 30 °C. Botanigard WP stability decreases with time at elevated temperatures above 30 °C. Tightly reclose the container of unused product. Do not contaminate unused product with water.

COMPATIBILITY
Majestik/Eradicoat Tank Mix
Botanigard can be tank mixed with a solution of Majestik or Eradicoat, enabling all stages of the whitefly life cycle to be targeted, creating a robust control programme. Contact Certis for more information.

Fungicide Compatibility
Use of certain fungicides may have a detrimental effect on the performance of Botanigard WP. Contact Certis for more information.

PHYTOXICITY
Trials show that Botanigard WP is crop safe and phytotoxicity is not to be expected, however it has not been tested on all plant varieties. The agent can give visible residue. Damage when applied to young fruit or vegetables is not excluded. Test Botanigard WP on a small number of plants to check for potential damage before applying to a larger number of plants.

RESISTANCE
Botanigard WP has not been reported to have any insect resistance. However, it is good practice to use such products as components of Integrated Pest Management systems, alternating with other control measures. This is particularly important for sequential crops.