The following is from Jim Chaput, OMAFRA Minor Use Coordinator.  We thank Jim for his work on securing registrations for hops and other specialty crops.

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency recently announced the approval of an URMULE registration for BIOPROTEC CAF Biological Insecticide for control of hop looper and European corn borer on hops in Canada.  The active ingredient,Bacillus thuringiensis,was already labelled on a wide range of crops for a number of important insect pests.

This label expansion submission was sponsored by the minor use office of OMAFRA in response to minor use priorities established by growers and extension personnel.

The following is provided as a general outline only.  Users should consult the complete label before using this product.  For copies of the new minor use label, contact Jim Chaput, OMAFRA, Guelph at 519-826-3539, Melanie filotas, OMAFRA, 519-426-4434, or visit the UAP Canada website (www.uap.ca) or the N.M. Bartlett’s website (www.bartlett.ca).

Bioprotec CAF can be used for control of hop looper and European corn borer on hops at a rate of 1.4-2.8 L of product per hectare for hop looper and 2.8-4.0 L per hectare for corn borer in a minimum of 300 L water per hectare depending upon the type of equipment and the crop.  Apply at the 1st signs of infestation when larvae are small.   For conr borer, monitor for the pest and apply at hatching before larvae bore into plant tissues.  Allow 5-10 days between applications; up to 3 applications per generation, for a maximum of 6 applications per year are recommended. The pre-harvest interval is 0 days.

We wish to acknowledge the personnel of AEF Global Inc for their support of this registration and the personnel of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency for evaluating and approving this important pest management tool.