Dipel DF and Silico-Sec fully approved for use in organic systems

The biological caterpillar control product DiPel DF, based on the naturally-occurring micro-organism Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki, and the storage pest control product Silico-Sec, based on diatomaceous earth, have both been assessed and approved for use in organic systems under the Organic Farmers and Growers Approved Inputs Scheme.

Both products have a strong reputation for excellent pest control performance in their particular field in conventional agricultural systems and both are now fully approved for use in organic systems, says Dr. David Stormonth, Technical Manager, Interfarm UK Ltd.

David points out that DiPel DF offers an effective, easy to use solution for the control of damaging caterpillar pests in the widest range of horticultural, agricultural and amenity situations. “Insecticide use, especially in the fresh produce sector, is increasingly under scrutiny from producers, retailers and consumers. The market wants high quality food with no insect damage or contamination, no residues and a good environmental profile. The development of insecticides based on Bacillus thuringienis var kurstaki, such as Dipel DF, fit the bill with a highly targeted insecticidal activity and a favourable toxicological, environmental and residue profiles. Dipel DF has no maximum number of applications, no maximum total dose, no harvest interval and no LERAP and is now fully recognised for use in organic production.”

"One of the most remarkable things about Dipel DF is the vast array of crops that it can be used on. It has label recommendations for outdoor cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, outdoor ornamentals, protected ornamentals, amenity vegetation, strawberries, raspberries, protected tomatoes, protected cucumbers and protected peppers. Even more impressive is the extensive range of Extension of Authorisation for Minor Uses (EAMU’s or SOLAs) - 180 crop situations to date - including salads, alliums, herbs, soft fruit and top fruit. This makes Dipel such an important product to fruit, salad and vegetable growers, especially to those in the organic sector who have had to struggle with pest problems and quality issues over the years.”

David thinks that the acceptance of Silico-Sec by the Organic Farmers and Growers will also be a boon to organic grain and rape producers. “Provenance and quality are the two key issues for these growers and the last thing they want is for the seed or grain to be spoilt in store. Grain pests lodge in the smallest of places, including cracks, crevices, airways, ducts, intake pits and elevators and are ready and waiting to infest new parcels of wheat, barley or rape seed when placed into the store after harvest. Pests can also flourish and increase in the grain store over the autumn and winter period, if not tackled earlier on.”

He advises that grain pests can be tackled at two points in the storage cycle – initially as a treatment to the fabric of the store before harvest, or later on directly to the surface of the grain heap. “Unfortunately we have very few grain store treatments left and only one that is approved for use in organic crops. A biophysical product derived from high specification food grade diatomaceous earth (DE), Silico-Sec is a natural, non-toxic alternative to OP treatments that can now be used in either conventional or organic farming systems. Being biophysical, it controls any pest, including grain weevils, saw-toothed grain beetles, red-rust flour beetles, cosmopolitan food mites and flour mites. It is a proven non-chemical treatment with no resistance issues.”