Important considerations

• Changing to alternative chemicals may not as be as simple as changing chemicals. Especially if changing from dusting to bunch spraying, consider the whole bunch pest management strategy.
• Before use of any chemical: – Confirm the registration status by checking the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority website portal.apvma.gov.au – Check product label and permit rates.
• Consider resistance management.
• Good bunch spray coverage is important to get effective control of bunch pests.
  – Consider which equipment set up to use and how best to achieve good coverage with recommended volumes.
  – Staff training is important for calibration and application of pesticides.
  – Additional training will be required for farms transitioning from bunch dusting to spraying.
• The rate for bell injecting spinetoram, listed in the minor use permit (PER87198), is different to the label rate for bunch spraying with spinetoram. 
• When changing from bunch dusting to spraying, consider if other elements of bunch pest and disease management need to be considered, e.g., reducing fungal damage by increasing air flow in bunch covers.
• Regularly calibrate equipment and check application techniques and revisit product label and permit rates.
• Check the storage requirements of chemicals and only mix volumes required for immediate use.
• Always comply with WH&S directions on labels and permits when applying chemicals, including wearing personal protective equipment.