Improving production and profits while minimising expense and effort is every farmer’s goal. Bayer understands this, and continuously develops products that will enable a farmer to achieve these goals.

That is why Bayer Zimbabwe introduced three new crop protection products to the Zimbabwean agricultural market during this year. These three products are specifically focussed on the tobacco and cotton industry and were brought to Zimbabwe after being applied successfully in other African regions.

With the introduction of SIVANTO Prime, Vayego 200 SC, and Tihan OD 175, the farmers of Zimbabwe will be able to effectively control sucking and chewing pests on their tobacco and cotton crops.

How does it work?

Each of these crop protection products was specifically formulated to target certain pests on crops such as tobacco and cotton. The reason for the specificity is to minimise the risk to beneficial insects such as bees.

• Sivanto Prime was developed to target aphid infestations in tobacco crops. The active ingredient is Flupyradifurone, which was derived from the Asian plant, Stemona japonica. The SIVANTO Prime penetrates the xylem and the phloem of the plant cells. When the insect inserts its proboscis, it gives a bad taste and causes the insect to stop feeding quickly. Thereafter it affects the central nervous system of the insect causing paralysis.

This ensures that the aphid will not be able to move to a different plant once it has come into contact with the active ingredient of SIVANTO Prime, thus limiting the spread of damage to the plants, as well as diseases that are carried by these pests from one plant to the next. SIVANTO Prime works fast and has a quick feeding cessation effect on the insects. The results of tests showed a significant decrease of up to 99% in aphid activity within the first five days after initial application.

• Vayego 200 SC proves to be highly effective in budworm control. It reduces plant damage as a result of lethargy, paralysis, rapid feeding cessation and eventual death. It is a plant mobile insecticide that is suitable for application by foliar spray against larval or adult pest stages, but also by drip/drench application.

• Tihan OD 175 insecticide was developed as a sophisticated formulation that combines two modes of action. The benefits of the dual action include low cost of effective spraying and targeting both aphid and bollworm control to increase yield and quality. These active ingredients are Flubendiamide and Spirotetramat that specifically targets problem species without endangering vital beneficial insects such as bees.

As a systemic insecticide, Tihan gives better and quicker protection against cotton plant tissue damage because the fast-acting formulation affects the neuro-receptors of the insects and causes immediate cessation of feeding pests. Another advantage of the Tihan OD 175 insecticide is that it is systemic and flexible in application; controls key adult and immature sucking pests; has a lasting residual effect which enables it to protect new shoots, and also kills the larvae of bollworms effectively.

How should it be applied?

SIVANTO Prime insecticide can either be applied as a foliar or as a drench application. Vayego 200 SC can also be applied effectively as either a foliar spray or a drench application. Tihan OD 175 can only be applied as a foliar spray.

What is the recommended application rate?

• The recommended application rate for SIVANTO Prime is 200 ml per 100 ℓ of water per hectare. Therefore, on 5 hectares you will mix 1 ℓ of Sivanto Prime on 500 ℓ of water.

• The recommended application rate for Vayego 200 SC is 38 ml per 100 ℓ of water, making it an economical pest control product. On a 5-hectare field you will therefore mix 190 ml with 500 ℓ of water.

• The application rate for Tihan OD 175 is 200 ml mixed with 100 ℓ of water per hectare, with the first application between 35 and 45 days after sprouting. Therefore, you will mix 1 ℓ of Tihan OD 175 with 500 ℓ of water to apply on 5 hectares.

To calculate the mixing rate for your farm, you multiply the recommended application rate by the number of hectares to be sprayed. You also multiply the hectares with the quantity of water that is recommended by Bayer. Once you have mixed the correct quantity of water with the correct quantity of the product; you can spray it onto your crops. Depending on the size of your farm, it would be wise to have a large mixing tank so that you will be able to get a consistent mix with every application.

Can I use it on maize and vegetables?

Legislation dictates that an insecticide should be registered for use on specific crops against specific pests. This is in order to control the use of harmful chemicals and to ensure that pesticides are not overutilised and cause threats to people and the environment. In Zimbabwe, SIVANTO Prime and VAYEGO 200 SC have been registered for use on tobacco plants specifically, while TIHAN OD 175 was registered for use on cotton. However, in other areas of the world, these products have been used on a variety of crops including maize and various types of vegetables with great success.

Is it safe to use the crops after spraying?

Yes, provided that the instructions on the product label are followed correctly. For each crop protection product there is a minimum time that must pass before the plants can be safely used by humans. This is normally referred to as the PHI on the product instruction pamphlet, and indicates the period that has to pass from the last date of application before the plants can be harvested safely. For example, the PHI for Tihan OD 175 is 21 days. This means that three weeks should pass from the last application date until the cotton can be harvested.

Where can I buy these products?

Bayer Zimbabwe has six distribution points throughout Zimbabwe, and also supplies products to other distributors within the agricultural industry. These products are available from Bayer’s distribution partners in Zimbabwe.

For more information on how you can benefit from Bayer’s excellent range of seed and crop protection products, call Farai Munyanyi, Territory Manager for Zimbabwe, on +26-324-248-7221, or send an e-mail to farai.munyanyi@bayer.com.