Evaluation of GF-120™ (Naturalyte) for control of Psila rosae in carrot in Prince Edward Island.

Carrot rust fly, Psila rosae F., (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) is a significant pest in Prince Edward Island causing losses of up to 25% to carrot producers. Organic producers have limited means to control this pest and conventional producers are concerned about the development of resistance to currently available pesticides. An alternative insecticide treatment is required for carrot growers to remain competitive. GF-120™ (Naturalyte) is a spinosad (0.02%) product using an 'attract and kill' approach. Currently registered for use on tree fruits, it holds promise for control of other pests. Three replicates of three treatments (control-no spray, GF-120™ and Matador®) were applied in a Latin square design on a carrot planting located on PEI. Eight applications of GF-120™ were required throughout the season compared with 3 applications of Matador®. Damage in the GF-120™ plots was not significantly different from damage observed in the control plot and both were significantly higher than damage in the Matador® plot. A comparison of the costs of the control methods highlighted that as a spray application requiring multiple sprays, GF-120™ does not provide an economically feasible alternative to the currently available insecticide spray. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]