Optimum protection, optimum yields.
CRUISER® OPTI is the first seed treatment that enables growers to manage all three of the most prominent insect pests in canola and cereal crops during the crucial establishment process. CRUISER OPTI controls aphids and suppresses redlegged earth mites and lucerne fleas, with the convenience and flexibility of a seed treatment. It significantly improves emergence, crop establishment and yield compared to untreated crops or those treated with other seed treatments.
BENEFITS
- Protects canola and cereals against key insect pests during establishment
- Two modes of action for control of SP-resistant strains
- Improves emergence, crop establishment and yield potential
- Excellent systemic uptake and translocation
- Excellent crop safety
- Compatible with other seed treatments
CONTROL OF INSECT PESTS
CRUISER OPTI can control common insect pests and is now also registered to control storage pests such as rice weevil and lesser grain borer.
Redlegged earth mites (Halotydeus destructor)
Redlegged earth mites (RLEM) are a widespread broadacre pest affecting a range of crops including cereals and canola. Left uncontrolled, high RLEM numbers can severely reduce plant density in canola crop, impacting grain yield, and in the worst case, completely ruin seedling establishment. RLEM populations are best managed with an integrated approach.
Lucerne flea (Sminthurus viridus)
Lucerne flea has become a significant agricultural pest, particularly in the southern states of Australia. Severe infestation in crops can result in leaf damage that can stunt and severely affect seedlings.
Aphids
Various aphid species infest cereals and canola. In cereals, the corn aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis) and wheat or oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi) can cause moderate yield losses. Aphids can also transmit Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) and Cereal Yellow Dwarf Virus (CYDV). BYDV has been shown to cause yield losses up to 20% in individual crops, with crops infected early (before the end of tilling) possibly incurring losses close to 80%.
Canola is sensitive to damage from various aphid species which can cause wilting and stunting of plants.