Isoclast™ Active Protects Citrus Harvests in Turkey
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Turkey has been producing citrus crops since Alexander the Great introduced them to the region in the 4th century BCE. Today, while a portion of the country’s lemons, mandarins, oranges and grapefruits are enjoyed across Europe, much of the crop remains inside Turkey’s borders, where citrus is a mainstay of the culture and cuisine.
Like so many farmers, citrus growers in Turkey are starting to experience challenges from climate disruptions. Recent seasons have seen hot weather arriving too early, causing trees to bloom too soon raising insect pest pressure. Citrus red scale was already a concern for these farmers, but hot weather increased pressure from another costly pest, the citrus mealybug, which feeds on leaves and fruit and keeps fruit from getting all the nutrients it needs to develop properly.
Breaker® 240 SC insecticide with Isoclast™ active was introduced in Turkey in 2018 just as farmers found themselves in need of a new and better option against both pests. With older active ingredients no longer available due to regulatory changes, farmers were left with few options—mineral oil or insecticides that treated citrus mealybugs or citrus red scale, but not both.
With Breaker, farmers get fast knockdown of both species with an added advantage: The product, when used according to the label, is not harmful to beneficial insects that naturally prey on red scale and mealybugs. This lets farmers combat the pests through two methods, for better control and as part of a smart Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy.
Breaker also allows farmers to spray less often to control these pests. When sprayed at the right stage, this insecticide effectively controls mealybug in just two applications.
Farmers in Turkey, like those around the world, are looking for ways to adapt to a changing climate which leads to increasing pest pressure in their fields. Innovations like Isoclast active help them stay ahead of pests and continue harvesting beautiful citrus that fuels exports abroad and fills tables at home.
Watch this video to hear a citrus farmer in Turkey describe how using Isoclast helped improve his crop marketability.
Learn more about Isoclast active
Breaker® 240 SC insecticide is not registered for sale or use in all countries. This information is not considered an offer for sale. Always read and follow label directions.