Introducing LastCall™
Ask about the video that was filmed in European trellised apple orchards. The “paste” was, at that time, black. It is now clear.
LastCall™ is a special paste or matrix containing a standard insecticide, pheromone and UV protection, all in a custom designed dispenser. The UV protection gives LastCall™ its stabilizing properties, which enables the product to be exposed to light for 4-6 weeks without degradation of efficacy. The preferred insecticide is Permethrin, although several other insecticides work just as effectively.
The product is packed in a special dispenser that contains 150 grams of material, sufficient for 3,000 individual droplets of 0.05 grams each or enough for approximately 2.5 acres. In modern, high-density apple orchards, one or two droplets (about the size of a small pea) of LastCall™ are applied to the trunk or branches of each apple tree. The male Codling Moth is attracted to the pheromone in LastCall™ and attempts to mate with the globule of product. On making contact with the Permethrin (the insecticide used in the CM version), the Codling Moth is immobilized and dies shortly thereafter. Only unfertilized female Codling Moths remain and are unable to lay viable eggs in the fruit.
Compared to conventional pesticide sprays, LastCall™ delivers a minute amount of pesticide. For example an acre of apple trees treated with LastCall™ will have 3.5 - 5 grams of insecticide per treatment. The product remains effective for 4-6 weeks and one or two further applications are required after this time at about 6 week intervals. Generally there are three applications over an 18-week period during the growing season. Currently that same acre is conventionally sprayed with approximately 1125 grams (two and one half pounds) of insecticide every 2 – 3 weeks over the same 18-week period (typically EPA restricted to no more than 6 applications). This is a total of 15 grams of LastCall™ vs. 6,750 grams of pesticide per season (15 pounds) or to put it another way, 450 times more toxicant is applied. A simple illustration would show that for every 55-gallon barrel of insecticide used in a conventional spray application, LastCall™ treats the same area with the equivalent of a12 ounce can of soda.
Even of greater importance than the incredible difference in the sheer amount of toxin used, is where it goes. With spray applications the pesticide drenches the entire tree, absorbed by the ground beneath the fruit trees, run off to streams and groundwater, and into the air drifting to other crops or non-crop areas or ecologically vulnerable natural habitats. Research has shown that less than 0.01% of the pesticide used in a spray application actually reaches the intended target pest. This means that out of the 6,750 grams sprayed, only 0.675 grams is effective. Therefore, 99.99% of the toxin is otherwise absorbed into the environment (soil, water, air, beneficial insects such as bees, fish, birds, wildlife, and yes, people). Conversely, the matrix used in LastCall™ is a non-water soluble inert compound that does not end up in the environment and is not lethal to wildlife.
LastCall™ is a very small stable droplet placed on the trunk or branch. It never comes into contact with the fruit, does not run off into the waterways, and does not become airborne. LastCall™ is proven to be up to 2-3 times more effective than spraying for several insect species.
LastCall™ Advantages
The LastCall™ technology platform has been validated by APTIV with over 10 years of field trials at a cost of more than $12 million USD and the efficacy has been proven. APTIV produces pheromone traps for more than 100 insects. Advantages include:
- No spray residues on fruit, creating greater production of higher quality, contamination-free fruit
- Reduced insect damage to plants
- No spray drift
- No destruction of beneficial insects, for example, bees, lady bugs and predatory mites
- Highly effective product with trial result data that generally indicates 200-300% more effective than spraying
- No special application equipment is required - no extensive spray equipment and tractor cleanups required
- Easy to apply by a minimally-trained work-force
- No EPA tightly regulated reentry restrictions for the safety of the orchard workers. Field workers can continue work in the orchard the same day. Reentry by workers in sprayed fields can be delayed for two to three weeks.
- During the growing season a total of 15 grams of pesticide used in LastCall™ vs. 6,750 grams of pesticide in a spray application.
- Cost that is extremely competitive
- Compatible with integrated and biological pest control strategies
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© Copyright 2006-2007 by APTIV, Inc
Tel: 971-327-7129 Fax: 971-222-3477