Recently Russell IPM developed a new kind of sticky trap which uses additional visual attraction to catch more insects. The capture rate of this new sticky trap can be twice as high as that of the original yellow sticky trap. “The secret is the pattern on the trap,” Dr Al Zaidi of Russell IPM said. “During our research we discovered that insects are more likely to be found caught on the borders of the sticky trap because they are more triggered by contrasting colours. Afterwards we experimented with different horizontal and vertical lines and circles until we found the right ratio of contrasting patterns.”
Russell conducted numerous trials at major growers in the UK and The Netherlands and found that the patterned sticky traps worked very well. Russell IPM has launched the product in the market and it can be found via their major distributors.
Despite the success of the new traps, Russell IPM will start a government supported trial project for one and a half years to further investigate this attraction to maximize the effect. “We already have made a major improvements to the existing product, but we believe that we can achieve even better results. “
Sticky traps: a greenhouse grower’s favourite
Sticky boards and rolls are one of Russell IPM’s major products for greenhouse horticulture. "Our sticky boards and rolls are coated with pressure sensitive adhesive in either a wet or a dry finish. They are made with high density polyethylene. They are specially designed for capturing insects by eliciting a reaction to a specific colour matrix. As a result of attraction the insect lands on the sticky surface and is thus unable to escape” Dr Al Zaidi said.
Russell IPM manufactures Optiroll and Impact boards in yellow and blue colours. They are UV and sprinkler irrigation resistant with an efficacy for a period of well over 12 weeks in the absence of dust. Greenhouse growers have favoured these for years to scout and catch whitefly, thrips and Tuta absoluta. With the new improved patterned traps from Russell IPM, growers will now be able to double the efficiency of the traps.
Pheromone traps
Russell IPM also develops pheromone traps. According to Dr Al Zaidi, pheromone traps are more and more popular these days. “In small numbers pheromone traps can be used for monitoring. This can help decide the best time for the application of insecticides to help with the more rational application of them”- he said.- “Also, in certain situations a large number of traps can control the population and act as an alternative to pesticides. Nowadays, growers try to use more sustainable defence methods, so they are more open to solutions such as pheromone traps. That is why we always try to develop our portfolio and offer better and more sustainable solutions.”
Attract and Kill
One of the latest projects in the pipeline at Russell IPM are based on the so-called ‘attract and kill’ approach. “We are working more and more in the development of solutions that combine pheromones and insecticides. The point of the attract & kill idea is that the surface handled with insecticide is very small and we don’t have to cover all the area with chemicals. Thus we leave the vast majority of the plant surface for natural enemies to flourish and develop. We are looking for collaborators from all over the world to further develop this crop protection solution.”
Further information about the products or scientific collaborations: www.russellipm.comPlease contact Deborah on [email protected] to get in contact with the distributor in your country.