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entomos

Journal of the Andermatt Group

Index

Mating disruption in vineyards – a look back and across the borderMARTIN GÜNTER, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL..................................................................................................5

Potatoes: Use of BIOSOL as a soil improverSAMUEL STÜSSI, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL .....................................................................................................6

SLUXX – A new generation of slug pelletsMARTIN GÜNTER, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL..................................................................................................7

Nematodes against codling moth – an additional optionBERTRAND GENTIZON AND MARTIN GÜNTER, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL ...................................8

Central Switzerland Innovation Award for Andermatt BiocontrolMARTIN ANDERMATT, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL ........................................................................................9

New partnership with Sylvar Technologies Inc.MARTIN ANDERMATT, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL ........................................................................................9

Andermatt Biocontrol acquires the company ProbisDANIEL ZINGG, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL ...................................................................................................10

Exciting partnership between Andermatt Biocontrol and Madumbi Bio FarmsDANIEL ZINGG, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL ...................................................................................................10

Innovation in the biological control of codling moth and oriental fruit moth with MADEX TWINIRIS KRAAZ, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL ...........................................................................................................11

TOPCAT – The vole trap. Revision of a first-rate product for increased trapping efficiencyALEX MEIER, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL ..........................................................................................................13

Zonal approval of plant protection products in the EUPHILIP KESSLER, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL ...................................................................................................14

Workshop on the application strategies, markets and perspectives using baculoviruses in the Near and Middle EastMATHIAS BAMERT, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL .............................................................................................15

Mosquito control in the garden – SOLBAC-TABS versus itching JUDITH LADNER CALLIPARI, ANDERMATT BIOGARTEN ..............................................................................16

Robust plant varieties for the organic gardenCHRISTA GERBER, ANDERMATT BIOGARTEN ...................................................................................................17

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Efficacy testing of THYMOVAR in SwitzerlandROMAN ERNI, ANDERMATT BIOVET .....................................................................................................................18

Maggot Debridement Therapy – A standard benefit of the Swiss health insurance scheme since July 1st, 2011URS FANGER, ENTOMOS .......................................................................................................................................... 20

1

AndermattHolding

www.biocontrol.ch www.biogarten.ch www.biovet.ch

entomos

www.entomos.ch www.service-ag.ch

GmbH

topcat GmbH

Editorial

In order to make reading more pleas-ant, we have decided to print separate editions of the Journal simulta neously in German, French and English instead of just adding the translations to the articles in German. Should you wish to receive a copy in one of the other languages, please feel free to contact us.

In 2011, the Andermatt Group contin-ued to make further dynamic progress. The illustration below gives a primary impression, and on pages 9 and 10 you will find more information on the companies Probis GmbH, Sylvar Technologies Inc. and Madumbi Sus-tainable Agriculture Ltd.

This AG-Journal contains the latest results of our ongoing research and findings in support of our products. We would once again like to thank all owners of the crops on which field trials were carried out as well as all the members of research institutes and cantonal administrations involved therein for their kind collaboration.

On behalf of the Andermatt Group, I wish you an enjoyable time reading this journal.

Dear readers,

Dr. Martin AndermattChairman of the Board

Germany, 100% Germany, 100% Canada, 60%

www.sylvar.ca

South Africa, 40%

www.madumbi.co.za

Austria, 33%

www.biohelp.at

Germany, 10%

www.biofa-profi.de

Germany, 30% Germany, 100%

www.andermatt-biovet.de

Switzerland, 100%

www.topcat.ch

2 Daniel Zingg

Alex Meier

Philip Kessler

Deborah Britschgi

Mathias Bamert

Iris Kraaz

Daniel ZinggManaging Director

Dr. Philip KesslerHead of Regulatory Affairs

Erich FrankHead of Sales Export

Cécile BrunOffice

Iris KraazTechnical Support

Mathias BamertTechnical Support

Dr. Deborah BritschgiRegistrations, Technical Support

Alex MeierHead of Marketing Export

Plant Protection for Professionals

Marketing Export

3

VS

BEVD

FR

NE

JU

LU

SO

BL

BS

AG

ZH

SH

TG

SG

AIAR

ZG

SZ

GL

UR

NW

OWGR

TIGE

Silke Süsse

Samuel StüssiBertrand Gentizon Martin Günter

Marco ArnLionel Lo Brutto

Richard PellissierLionel Lo Brutto

Samuel StüssiConsultant Vegetable-growing, Ornemental Plants, Indoor Cultures, Botanical Gardens, Berries, Beneficials

Martin GünterMarketing Director Switzerland, Consultant Viticulture, Arable Crops

Richard PellissierSales Manager Valais

Bertrand GentizonConsultant Fruit-growing, Horticulture

Marco ArnSales Manager Western Switzerland

Silke SüsseSales Manager East Switzerland

Lionel Lo BruttoSales Manager Western Switzerland

Margrit FesslerOffice

Irene BremgartnerOffice

Matthias JägginDesktop-Publisher

Jrène HäfligerOffice

Kathrin FlückigerOffice

Adrian FelderOffice, Desktop-Publisher

Apprentice

Stefanie HirsigerOffice, Desktop-Publisher

Apprentice

Marketing Switzerland

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Ralph SchwarzManaging Director

Ralph SchmidgallManaging Director

Urs FangerManaging Director

Sandra Pabst-GublerMarketing

Esther ManserAnimal Health, Regulatory Affairs

Kathrin FlückigerCustomer Service

Rita Uhlmann Export, Customer Service

Rachel AsbachCustomer Service, Quality Control

Christa GerberProduct Management

Brigitte Zimmermann Customer Service Export

Lukas SchwitterCustomer Service, Desktop Publishing

Apprentice

Martina VenetzDesktop Publishing

Joel Struchen Customer Service, Desktop Publishing

Apprentice

Charlotte ZauggCustomer Service

Judith Ladner CallipariProduct Management

Roman ErniSales Manager Apiary Products

Stefanie HirsigerCustomer Service, Desktop Publishing

Apprentice

Products for House and Garden

Animal Health with a Natural Advantage

Insects for Feed, Research and Maggot Debridement Therapy

5

Mating disruption in vineyards – a look back and across the borderThe grape moth has been controlled by mating disruption in Swiss vineyards for the last 25 years. So far, in no other country has mating disruption been so well established and deployed to such an extent. The success story in Switzerland demonstrates the potential of this ecological approach throughout Europe or even worldwide.

MARTIN GÜNTER, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL

Grape moth – the main pest in viti-cultureThe grape moth is the main pest in viticulture. In most of the European wine-growing regions, especially in southern Europe, the European grape-vine moth is predominant and often the only pest present. The European grapevine moth is multivoltine and, depending on climatic conditions, commonly procreates three to five generations per season.

25 years of mating disruption in Swit-zerlandIn regions where the grape moth is prevalent, it must usually also be controlled. Means of control include several insecticides with various active ingredients as well as mating disruption. The first steps of deploy-ing mating disruption techniques in viticulture date back to the late sev-enties, albeit with rather modest suc-cess. About 10 years later, the effect of mating disruption was demon-strated in the field. In 1986, exactly 25 years ago, the first dispenser was approved as a plant protection prod-uct. Driven by the efforts of Pierre-Joseph Charmillot of the Swiss Fed-eral Research Institution, Agroscope Changins as well as Augustin Schmid of the Valais plant protection author-ity, mating disruption reached a high acceptance level in Switzerland. In 1996, Andermatt Biocontrol was able to announce the first approvals for mating disruption in viticulture and introduced sales in Switzerland. The number of vineyards treated with mating disruption has increased con-sistantly since 1996. Now, in Switzer-land more than 60% of the approxi-mately 15 000 hectares of vineyards are covered. This makes Switzerland the country with the highest per-centage of viticultural area treated with mating disruption techniques altogether.

Look beyond the bordersSwitzerland sets an example regarding coverage of pest mating disruption. In the immediate neighbourhood, there

are only two countries or regions with a comparably high percentage of viti-cultural area managed by pest mating disruption. In Germany, this amounts to approximately 60% of the vine-yards, or about 60 000 hectares. In the Trentino – South Tirol region, as much as 65% of the vineyards are using mating disruption. Only the Czech Republic with 17% (3 000 ha) and Austria with 8% (3 500 ha) accu-mulate additional significant market shares. In Europe as a whole, mating disrup-tion in vineyards is applied in a total of approximately 140 000 hectares. This is equivalent to a mere 3 – 4% of the surface area of European vineyards. The share in the major wine-pro-ducing countries – France, Italy and Spain – accounts for only 2 – 3%. The main reason for this small surface area is financial. Grape prices are very low in many wine-growing regions, quite often less than half a Swiss Franc per kg, therefore the use of support mech-anisms is generally reduced to a min-imum. Furthermore, insecticides are very cheap in some countries (particu-larly in Eastern Europe) with the result that by comparison, mating disruption is relatively costly. On the other hand, most markets have only been devel-oped within recent years and, as a result, do not yet have the same level of experience as Switzerland.

Picture 1: ISONET ® mating disruption dispenser

OUTLOOK

The example of Switzerland reveals that mating disruption applied to large areas works well, even when some partial areas are theoretically not ideally suited. Technical support by the Swiss Research Institute, the cantons and the company along with open-mindedness on the part of the Swiss wine-growers remain key fac-tors in the success of mating disrup-tion techniques in Switzerland.

In a European or even global context, mating disruption control is far from having been fully exploited. Mating disruption is a specific, residue-free approach which is friendly to ben-eficial insects thus it can contribute to more ecological wine-growing without or at least with a significant reduction in the use of insecticides.

Resources:C. Ioriatti et al., Chemical Ecology and Management of Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). 2011. J. Econ. Entomol. 104 (4): 1125 – 1137

6

Potatoes: Use of BIOSOL as a soil improverThe organic N-fertiliser BIOSOL with its chitin content has been shown to have a positive impact on soil health. Using BIOSOL, an organic farm was able to increase the amount of saleable pota-toes harvested by 50% within two to three years.

SAMUEL STÜSSI, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL

Production of BIOSOL and how it works BIOSOL is a by-product of penicil-lin production. For several days, the culture medium is fermented with Penicillium Chrysogenum and as a result, proteins, syrup, trace elements and vitamins are converted into a fun-gal biomass. After the extraction of the penicillin and subsequent re-drying and granulation, BIOSOL is left as a nitrogen-rich (7% N) fertiliser contain-ing chitin. Chitin is an important com-ponent of the cell membranes of fungi, insects as well as nematodes. Many of the soil micro-organisms known to be beneficial (e.g. Trichoderma sp., Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Paecilomyces lilacinus) produce enzymes of chiti-nase. Chitin is biodegradable enabling these enzymes to decompose it com-pletely. The application of BIOSOL into the soil stimulates these benefi-cial myco-parasitic organisms (Heller, 2007; Strasser, 2007). The accumula-tion of these “beneficials” in the soil results in a suppression of pathogenic fungi.

BIOSOL – use in potatoesOn an organic farm in Oberhasli (Canton Zurich), one half of potato culture was treated with BIOSOL and the other half with a commercially available synthetic N-fertiliser. Using a similar amount of N, the quantitative yields did not differ significantly over

the three year period, although the BIOSOL variant did somewhat better. In the years 2009 and 2010, the quan-tity of saleable potatoes was consid-erably higher using BIOSOL. Com-pared to the standard fertiliser, 50% more potatoes could be merchan-dised. In 2011, there was no con-sistency in the results. On one plot, the yield was slightly better, but on another, no positive effect could be achieved, although the experiment was performed on a much higher level of productivity and yield compared to previous years.

Expression of appreciationMany thanks to Daniel Hangartner for his assistance in sorting the potato samples.

Picture 1: Test field of potatoes, 2009

WORTHWHILE APPLICATION

In the trial years 2009 and 2010, the application of BIOSOL pro-vided an added value of 3000 to 5500 CHF per ha in a harvest size of 25 to 30 tons per hectare. Consid-ering that the price per unit of nitro-gen with BIOSOL is about twice as high as for standard organic fertilizer, BIOSOL is recommended for superior and high quality cultures.

Chart 1: Average yields from test digs of each two linear metres (n=5) and percentage of the different sortings.

Resources:Heller W.E., Neuweiler R., Krauss J. (2007): Erste Erfahrungen mit dem Einsatz von Chitin gegen die Kohlhernie. Der Gemüsebau 6/2007: 15 – 17.

Strasser H. et al. (2007): Einfluss von Agro BIOSOL auf Erdbeerkulturen, Bodenmikroorganismen und GRANMET-Wirkstoff. Universität Innsbruck

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14% 17%

72%

24%

55%

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8%

82%

13%

74%

21%

81%

12%

BIOSOL 2009 Standard 2009 BIOSOL 2010 BIOSOL 2011/1Standard 2010 Standard 2011/1 BIOSOL 2011/2 Standard 2011/2

7

SLUXX – A new generation of slug pelletsIn Spring 2011 the new slug pellet SLUXX based on iron-III-phosphate was put on the Swiss market. SLUXX is a further development of FERRAMOL which has been used in biological cul-tivation for several years. It is also deployed in integrated production.

MARTIN GÜNTER, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL

Slugs can cause extensive damage to sensitive cultures. In our region, grey field slugs (Deroceras reticulatum) and several Arion-species are preva-lent. Under favourable conditions, slugs have a tremendous reproduction potential. It is not unusual to observe up to 100 slugs/m2. Changes in farm-ing practice (e.g. direct sowing) can contribute to stronger development of the slug population. Contrary to the iron phosphate-based FERRAMOL currently available, SLUXX has a higher concentration (3% iron-III-phosphate). With 7 kg/ha, SLUXX requires considerably lower quantities. Therefore, SLUXX is also price-competitive and a strong candi-date even apart from biological farm-ing. For Swiss agriculture, SLUXX is the only slug pellet available which is not based on Metaldehyde as the active ingredient.

Adapted formulation for agricultureOn ingestion by the slugs, iron phos-phate causes pathological changes in the digestive organs. This results in immediate eating suspension. The slugs crawl away into the soil and perish within 1– 3 days. There are no trails of slime which is certainly an advantage in certain specific appli-cations (e.g. in landscape gardening).

Ensured effectivity due to high con-centrationThe experimentally confirmed very good efficiency of SLUXX is based

primarily on the firmness and high density of the pellets. The pellets are made of pressed durum wheat and are therefore fairly rainproof. They retain their form even after repeated drench-ing. A dosage of 7 kg/ha is equivalent to 60 pellets per square metre. Com-pared to other baits, this is a very large amount. For sufficient area coverage, about 35 pellets per square metre are generally recommended. The effect of SLUXX is also high at lower temperatures. In an experi-ment at a constant temperature of 10 °C, SLUXX led to a snail mor-tality rate of 97% whereas with a

metaldehyde-based product, only 67% were killed. In Spring or Autumn, this could be an advantage of SLUXX, depending on ambient conditions.

Picture 1: Even under high levels of continuous rain the SLUXX pellets retain their original shape thus maintain their attractiveness for slugs.

CONCLUSION

SLUXX is a new high quality slug pellet which is equally suited to both biological agriculture as well as inte-grated production.

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StrawberriesGrey field slug

LettuceGarden slug

RapeseedGrey field slug

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Chart 1: Plant damage [%] when treated with SLUXX, and compared to pellets of Metaldehyd / Methiocarb and to an untreated control.

8

Nematodes against codling moth – an additional optionExperiments conducted by Andermatt Biocontrol confirm that entomopathogenic nematodes have a population diminishing effect on wintering codling moth larvae.

BERTRAND GENTIZON AND MARTIN GÜNTER, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL

Last autumn, as part of the registration procedure, Andermatt Biocontrol car-ried out a series of experiments with entomopathogenic nematodes to con-trol the codling moth.

At the end of September, apple trees were sprayed using a power sprayer from the base of the stem upwards to two thirds of the foliage height with the nematode species Steinernema feltiae (name of the prod-uct: TRAUNEM) in plenty of water. In two experiments, data on the mortal-ity rate of diapausing (overwintering) larvae were collected, whereby, mor-tality rates of 21% and 65% respec-tively were observed. The effect of the treatment with nematodes on the fol-lowing year’s harvest could only be estimated. The mobility of the moths in the surroundings and further mea-sures undertaken during the summer are likely to have blurred the effect.

Many experiments in neighbouring countries have revealed mortality rates of between 40 and 70%. Experi-ments conducted in the canton of Valais confirm the acknowledged population reducing effect of apply-ing nematodes on diapausing larvae. The efficacy, however, is highly influ-enced by application and weather

conditions during and after spraying, which explains the great fluctuations in the effect achieved.

Nematodes will hardly develop into a standard method to control the codling

moth. Nevertheless, Steinernema feltiae can be considered as a supple-mentary tool for population manage-ment when infestation by the codling moth is particularly strong.

Picture 1: Corrugated cardboard bands to determine the mortality rate of diapausing codling moth larvae after applying nematodes.

IMPRINT

Andermatt Service AGStahlermatten 66146 GrossdietwilSwitzerland

Tel. +41 (0)62 917 51 17Fax +41 (0)62 917 50 [email protected]

Published yearly in German, French and English.

Nominal fee: Fr. 9.50

EditorsMartin Andermatt Melanie Eiholzer

DesignMatthias Jäggin

9

New partnership with Sylvar Technologies Inc.In summer 2011, Andermatt Biocontrol acquired 60% of the shares of Sylvar Technologies Inc., a Canadian company focussing on biopesticides based on baculoviruses to control important forest insect pests.

MARTIN ANDERMATT, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL

Sylvar Technologies Inc. (www.sylvar.ca) was established by Forest Protec-tion Limited (www.forestprotection-limited.com) and BioAtlantech (www.bioatlantech.nb.ca) in Fredericton (New Brunswick) in 2006 to develop and commercialise safe and environ-mentally-friendly bio-pesticide solu-tions for controlling forest pests. Syl-var’s launch product, ABIETIV, was used successfully by aerial application against balsam fir sawfly (Neodiprion abietis) from 2006 – 2009 in New-foundland and Labrador, and again in 2011 in New Brunswick. ABIETIV is based on the nucleopolyhedrovi-rus of Neodiprion abietis as its active ingredient.

Sylvar is currently exploring other for-est and agricultural opportunities. It

continues to partner with other North American researchers and organisa-tions to bring new leadership to the development and production of bacu-loviruses and other technology for the management of insect pests in forest and agricultural markets.

With the expertise of Andermatt Biocontrol, Sylvar will improve its capabilities to produce and offer for-estry-related pest control products into global markets from its laborato-ries in Fredericton, NB. At the same time, the cooperation will enable Andermatt Biocontrol to expand its portfolio of plant protection products to include forestry-related bio-pesti-cides and expertise as well as expand-ing its presence in the Canadian and US marketplace.

TECHNOLOGIES INC.

Central Switzerland Innovation Award for Andermatt BiocontrolThe Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Central Switzerland has nominated Andermatt Biocontrol for the 2011 Innovation Prize. The award honours Andermatt Biocontrol’s success in overcoming growing resistance to the codling moth granulovirus.

MARTIN ANDERMATT, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL

For more than 20 years, the granulo-virus product MADEX has been used to control the codling moth which causes the worm holes often found in pome fruit. Over the years, geno-types were selected in some European orchards which were likely to be less sensitive to the codling moth granu-lovirus. With these resistant codling moth populations and using a tech-nique developed in-house, Andermatt Biocontrol was able to select granulo-virus genotypes which were capable of overcoming the resistance. Based on the same procedure, Andermatt Biocontrol has also succeeded in

selecting a granulovirus product for the control of the oriental fruit moth (see pages 11 and 12).

Andermatt Biocontrol is fully commit-ted to innovation: one in five employ-ees is a member of the successful R&D (research and development) team under the direction of Franz Bollhalder. In addition to the devel-opment of new products, this versatile team is constantly engaged in improv-ing the manufacturing efficiency of our established products thereby strengthening our international mar-ket presence. Many sub-projects were

realised in cooperation with numer-ous national and international institu-tions and companies. We would like to express our sincere thanks to all of these partners for their constructive cooperation.

10

Andermatt Biocontrol acquires the company Probis

Exciting partnership between Andermatt Biocontrol and Madumbi Bio Farms

DANIEL ZINGG, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL

DANIEL ZINGG, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL

On October 1st, 2011, the com-pany Probis GmbH was acquired by Andermatt Biocontrol from the former owner Dr. Martin Knoch. Probis pro-duced and marketed the product GRANUPOM. GRANUPOM con-tains the same active substance as MADEX (Codling moth granulovirus). Andermatt Biocontrol will continue to

offer GRANUPOM in Probis’ former markets whereby production will be relocated to Grossdietwil.

We are very pleased about the acqui-sition as the position of Andermatt Biocontrol in the granulovirus mar-ket is thereby further expanded and strengthened.

Andermatt Biocontrol and the South African company Madumbi Bio Farms have contracted a new partnership to strengthen their common market posi-tion in South Africa. Both companies share their vision to develop sustain-able environmental-friendly solu-tions for the fast growing agricultural market in southern Africa. Within the scope of the new partnership, Mad-umbi Bio Farms acquired a majority of Andermatt’s South African sub-sidiary Andermatt South Africa (Pty) Ltd. which subsequently operates as Madumbi Sustainable Agriculture (Pty) Ltd.

Madumbi Bio Farms has a long stand-ing experience in the South African agricultural market. The company brought in its excellent national and regional marketing capacities, as well as the Madumbi product range of bio fertilizers and plant vitality products. Madumbi Bio Farms director Andre Fox was appointed to be the new CEO of Madumbi Sustainable Agriculture.

Together, and under the new company name Madumbi Sustainable Agricul-ture (Pty) Ltd., the experienced team is in a unique position to offer a large range of innovative products together with professional technical support to its customer base, and also to develop more new products and sustainable solutions in the future.

The lead product of the new company is the baculovirus product CRYPTEX against false codling moth on citrus, pomegranates and persimmons. Other new and exciting products for the South African market are RHIZOVITAL and BOLLDEX ( = HELICOVEX). RHIZOVITAL is a product based on Bacillus amyloliquefaciens which was

recently introduced in South Africa for use on potatoes and vegetables. BOLLDEX is a baculovirus product developed by Andermatt Biocontrol against the African bollworm in dif-ferent crops like tomatoes, citrus, stone fruits and other vegetables. The product is currently in the registration process.

Picture 1: Andre Fox, CEO (middle) and two of his employees (left: Sias Leipoldt, Sustainable Biocontrol Manager; right: Megan Tyler, Marketing Assistant and Customer Support).

11

Innovation in the biological control of codling moth and oriental fruit moth with MADEX TWIN Andermatt Biocontrol Switzerland is to release a new baculovirus product for the combined control of codling moth (Cydia pomonella) and oriental fruit moth (Grapholita molesta). While current granulovirus products are used primarily in pome fruit today, the new virus strain pro-vides oriental fruit moth control options for peaches, nectarines as well as pome fruits.

IRIS KRAAZ, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL

Using a unique selection process, the R & D team of Andermatt Biocontrol successfully isolated a CpGV-M (Cydia pomonella Granulovirus Mexican) strain close isolate on an orien-tal fruit moth (OFM) population. After successful completion of laboratory biotests, it has been tested against the two key pest lepidopteran species in 25 field tests worldwide to date. Sim-ilar to the current range of granulo-viruses (e.g. MADEX), the new strain produced by Andermatt Biocontrol will combine highly specific and res-idue-free insect control thus provid-ing an IPM-friendly resistance man-agement tool. Results from selected study sites and a summary covering two years of field tests are presented here.

Due to its heterogeneous migratory behaviour, OFM is very difficult to control. As well as its key role as a pest on stone fruit, OFM has become an economically important pest in pome fruits. This has particularly been the case in southern regions of Europe in recent years. OFM frequently migrates

to pome fruit orchards as soon as its original host fruit has been harvested and thus provokes severe fruit damage before harvest. Moreover, new studies in France (Siegwart et al, 2010) have confirmed that OFM has acquired the

ability to complete its entire life cycle on other fruit tree species, such as apple and pear, in certain regions. A combined effect on both pests is thus of key interest for producers.

Examples of field trials against codling moth and oriental fruit moth MADEX TWIN was tested in a pilot peach tree orchard in the USA (Cali-fornia) at different dose rates in 2011. Two applications were made within each of two OFM generations based on a temperature-dependant pre-dictive phenological model. The assessment prior to harvest provides information about shoot strikes and fruit damage (Chart 1). With a high infestation of 23% in the control, MADEX TWIN was able to reduce the total fruit damage (stopped and active damage) by 68%.

Another field experiment with MADEX TWIN in Switzerland resulted in an excellent efficacy of 90% prior to harvest against active fruit dam-age of codling moth (CM) in an apple orchard (Chart 2). The reduction of total fruit damage was 74%.

Picture 1: Larva of the oriental fruit moth (Grapholita molesta)

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Chart 1: Field trial with MADEX TWIN against OFM in peach (California USA, Certis USA, 2011).

12

Conclusions from two field trial sea-sonsGranuloviruses have an outstanding population control effect (Kienzle et al, 2001). Although they act slower than a chemical reference larvicide, they are absolutely host-specific, harmless to beneficial insects and resi-due free. To achieve accurate efficacy data with granuloviruses in field tri-als, a differentiation between stopped superficial damage and active damage should therefore be made whenever possible.Superficial or stopped damage indi-cates that the larvae had been suc-cessfully infected and killed by the virus. Average efficacy levels from two years of field trials are presented in table 1.

As it is already the case in the current range of granuloviruses (e.g. MADEX),

the new strain produced by Andermatt Biocontrol will combine highly spe-cific and residue-free insect control thus providing an IPM-friendly resist-ance management tool.The application strategy does not dif-fer considerably from the existing CpGV recommendation. As an excel-lent population management tool, MADEX TWIN complements IPM spray programs. To maximise benefit from this effect, applications should be focused on the larval hatching period of the earliest OFM genera-tions using a standard dose of 100 ml/ha. Additionally, MADEX TWIN per-fectly complements a mating disrup-tion strategy in situations where OFM infestation is high.

Because OFM often migrates into pome fruit orchards late in the sea-son and provokes fruit damage just

before harvest, fruit damage may not be fully prevented. Nevertheless, virus applications are still expedient in such cases, because overwintering larvae are thus decimated.

AcknowledgmentsWe wish to thank Certis USA, Intrachem Bio Italia, Agrichem Bio Spain, Biocont Hungary/Slovakia, Compo Expert France, Madumbi Sustainable Agriculture SA, Agricheck Argentina, Biofa Germany, Hellafarm Greece and all other partners for set-ting up the trials. We especially thank Prof. Dr. Jehle for his assistance with isolate identification.

Table 1: Average efficacy level of MADEX TWIN. Field trials from 2010/2011. 100 ml/ha (n = number of field trials)

ReferencesKienzle J., Zebitz C.P.W., Schulz C., Huber J. 2001. Persistence of the biological effect of codling moth granulovirus in the orchard. IOBC/WPRS Bulletin 26 (1), 2003. pp 245 – 248

Siegwart, M., Bouvier F., Maugin S., Sauphanor B. 2010 Host plant differentiation in French populations of the oriental fruit moth, Cydia molesta. IOBC /WPRS Bulletin: Meeting of IOBC/WPRS Working Group “Integrated Protection of Fruit Crops”, Vico del Gargano, Italy, 2010. In Press

MARKET INTRODUCTION

The active substance of MADEX TWIN has received Annex I inclusion and respective preparations for the zonal registration in Southern Europe are under way. Registrations outside Europe are also undergoing prepa-ration. It is estimated that the new larvicide will be launched through Andermatt Biocontrol’s existing dis-tribution network all over the world between 2012 and 2014. At present, the new isolate is patent pending.

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MADEX 100 ml/ha

MADEX TWIN100 ml/ha

Untreated control

Total damage [%]

5.4 a5.1 A

1.4 b

0.5 B

90.2%

Active damage [%] Efficacy on active damage

Frui

t dam

age

befo

re h

arve

st [%

]

Effic

acy

[%]

80.5%

2.4 b

1 AB

Chart 2: Fruit infestation of codling moth before harvest in an apple orchard, treated with MADEX TWIN ( Andermatt Biocontrol, Switzerland 2010).

Apple (CM) Peach (OFM) Nectarine (OFM)

Average efficacy on shoot strike reduction

56% (n= 8) 60% (n= 2)

Average efficacy on reduction of total fruit damage (incl. superficial damage)

66% (n= 5) 65% (n= 9) 67% (n= 3)

Average efficacy on reduction of deep damage

86% (n= 7) 85% (n= 1) no data

13

TOPCAT – The vole trap. Revision of a first-rate product for increased trapping efficiencyThe first sales of TOPCAT vole traps date from the year 2000. Since January 2010 Andermatt Biocontrol has been producing and distributing the TOPCAT-trap along with accessory tools. A soft revision of the TOPCAT-trap by Andermatt Biocontrol will make the difference between a released and an armed trap even more apparent. The efficiency in use of the TOPCAT-trap can thus be increased.

TOPCAT – A first class vole trapThe TOPCAT-trap is especially suita-ble for trapping water vole (Arvicola terrestris) and common vole or field mouse (Microtus arvalis). The vole trap is particularly easy to handle and control. The trap is positioned in an inhabited vole tunnel. The voles are captured from both tunnel directions. The TOPCAT-trap is purely mechani-cal with no bait or chemicals required.

All parts of the TOPCAT-trap are made of stainless steel. The trap thus stands out from others through its excellent quality.

Improvement of visibility for in -creased efficiencyThe relative position of the clamping lever and rocker indicate (to the oper-ator) whether the trap is released or still armed. When the trap is armed, the clamping lever is raised through

the slit in the cover and the rocker is positioned horizontally over the cover, held in place by the tip of the snapper arm. When the trap is released, the rocker is positioned ver-tically, parallel to the exterior body of the TOPCAT-trap. The clamping lever is now approximately 8 cm lower than in the armed position (Picture 1).

The new clamping lever has been changed in shape to improve the visual difference between an armed and released trap. When the trap is armed, the clamping lever now pro-trudes even more through the slit in the cover (Picture 1). It is now possi-ble to see even more easily and from a greater distance whether a trap is already released or still armed. Check-ing the TOPCAT-trap is simplified and trapping efficiency is considerably improved.

ALEX MEIER, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL

THE SALES NETWORK OF TOPCAT-PRODUCTS IS GROWING STEADILY

Originally TOPCAT-traps could be bought only in Switzerland. Later the sales network was expanded to Ger-many, France and Belgium.

In the meantime, over 80 outlets are selling TOPCAT-traps and accesso-ries (searching rod, ground cutter, bracket, and picket). These outlets extend to countries including Swit-zerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Finland and Slovenia. Andermatt Biocontrol is constantly expanding its sales network further afield.

Picture 1: Position of the clamping lever and rocker of the new and the old trap.

TOPCAT-TRAP NEW

RELEASED RELEASEDARMED ARMED

TOPCAT-TRAP OLD

14

A new regulationThe new plant protection products reg-ulation (EC) Nr. 1107/2009 came into force on 14th June 2011. Apart from more rigid criteria for the approval of plant protection products, the new regulation facilitates the mutual rec-ognition of products between member states inside a specific zone of the EU.

Zonal assessmentPlant protectants will be newly evalu-ated in a northern, central and south-ern zone (see chart 1). The applica-tion for approval will be evaluated by a so-called Zonal Raporteur Mem-ber State (Z-RMS) and the applicant is asked to submit the data package as a draft Registration Report (dRR). Other member states of the same zone can comment on the dRR, however, once approval has been granted by the Z-RMS, mutual recognition by the other member states is mandatory.

Strict timelines A pre-submission meeting on the data package should help to comply with the strict timelines given for the assessment. The Z-RMS is required to compile a Registration Report and decide on the approval of the prod-uct within 8 months. There is only one possibility to stop the proceedings for a maximum of 6 months in order to request missing data from the appli-cant. Within the framework of mutual recognition, the other member states have to adopt the approval within 120 days.

No harmonisation of fees Despite harmonisation efforts within the EU, there is still no agreement on a uniform regulation of fees. Thus, single member states still have the competence to determine their own fees. As the fees can vary drastically between member states, it is to be assumed that applicants will make a careful selection for a Z-RMS.

Are there benefits for us?First of all, the new regulation gen-erates higher costs for Andermatt Biocontrol, as all product dossiers need to be adapted into a dRR. A fur-ther complication is that the total costs for an approval inside an entire zone

are difficult to calculate. It is not clear, to what amount fees can be charged by a member state, for which no mutual recognition has been applied. As a consequence it is getting tremen-dously difficult for small producers of biological plant protection products to register their products by themselves within the EU.

It is to be feared that single mem-ber states will be overwhelmed with applications to act as Z-RMS, whereas others will be avoided. This implies the big risk, that applications will be handed over to an ”unpop-ular” Z-RMS. It is already appar-ent that certain member states have by far more experience in assessing particularly biological plant protec-tion products than others, and there-fore the free selection of the Z-RMS is crucial for us.

Zonal approval of plant protection products in the EUThe new regulation regarding plant protection products in the EU allows an assessment of plant protection products in three different zones. Does it facilitate the approval of our virus products?

PHILIP KESSLER, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL

Northern zone

Central zone

Southern zone

Chart 1: Assessment of plant protection products in three zones in the EU. Northern zone (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden); Central zone (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherland, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Romania); Southern zone (Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain)

CONCLUSION

According to the new regulations there is no possibility for national provisional approvals anymore. The aims to speed up the registration process and a mandatory mutual recognition are ambitious. This can improve the registration situation in the EU, as new and safer plant protection products can be made available to the market within a shorter time period. In this respect not only the applicants, but particu-larly also the authorities are strongly challenged.

15

Workshop on the application strategies, markets and perspectives using baculoviruses in the Near and Middle EastIn June 2011, Andermatt Biocontrol conducted a two-day workshop in Dubai, with the aim of providing technical as well as market-relevant information on our baculovirus-products for new and existing distributors in the Near and Middle East. This successful event put the total of eleven participants from six nations in a strong position to place our baculovirus-products suc-cessfully on the market.

New markets in the Near and Mid-dle EastWith the development of new mar-kets Andermatt Biocontrol is stead-ily expanding its global leadership in the area of baculoviruses. Thanks to newly developed products such as HELICOVEX, SPEXIT and LITTOVIR against agriculturally important insect pests, new markets outside Europe can be opened. One region in which alternative plant protection products are becoming increasingly important is the Near and Middle East. Existing and potential partners from Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Pakistan attended the workshop (Picture 1).

Especially in countries exporting agri-cultural goods to Europe that need to comply with statutory limits for pesti-cide residues, there is some potential for the use of baculoviruses.

Training is crucial for the successful use The technical and application-specific know-how regarding our baculovi-rus-products is demanding. Accord-ingly, the training of our partners in the respective regions to a high level of quality is very important. This prin-ciple was applied at the workshop in Dubai by means of an interactive programme. During both days, there were lively discussions in which all

participants made valuable contribu-tions. The participants were informed about the positive properties of bacu-loviruses as efficient plant protection products and their application strat-egies. Especially in countries of the Near and Middle East, difficult cli-matic conditions, such as high tem-peratures and strong solar radiation, prevail. Interesting solutions for the use of our baculoviruses under these conditions could be shown to the par-ticipants in a conducive interchange of experience.Further topics mutually discussed included opportunities for sales and the related technical support of final customers in the respective local mar-kets. It became apparent that similar market conditions exist in a number of the countries represented, both for the marketing of our virus products as well as the comparable hurdles which need to be mastered during the regis-tration process.

Expression of appreciationWe would like to thank the partici-pants, not only for their active and dedicated participation as well as their interesting contributions during the workshop, but also for their con-fidence in us and our products.

MATHIAS BAMERT, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL

Picture 1: Participants of the bauclovirus-workshop in Dubai (from left to right)

Front:Dr. Diaa El Tonsi (Agrolink, Egypt)Muhammad Altaf Shahid (Solex Chemicals Ltd., Pakistan)Mohamed Zouini (Arzak Seeds Trade, Morocco)Abdulkareem Rasheed (Rashed Establishment for Trading and Agriculture, Saudi Arabia)

Rear:Mathias Bamert ( Andermatt Biocontrol, Switzerland)Eyas Omar (Al Koroom Agr. & Trad. Est., Jordan)Mhammed Messoud (Les Conserves de Meknes, Morocco)Ahmad Raslan (Al Koroom Agr. & Trad. Est., Jordan)Hytham Tawfik (Widyan al Batina for Trading, Oman)Shahid Sheikh (Acumen Agronomics Solutions, Pakistan)Philip Kessler ( Andermatt Biocontrol, Switzerland)Mohamed Torky (Agrolink, Egypt)Iqbal Hassan (Solex Chemicals Ltd., Pakistan)

CONCLUSION

The workshop can be considered a complete success in all respects for all participants. Through this event, the cooperation and personal relation-ship with our customers was further deepened. We were very pleased to see the commitment of our partners and are confident that the work-shop motivated our distributors to continue along these lines in order to commence or proceed with the registration and marketing of our baculovirus-products.

16

Mosquito control in the garden – SOLBAC-TABS versus itching Mosquitoes can be annoying and in some cases even dangerous. There is a great variety of more or less helpful anti-mosquito products on the market. To control mosquito larvae in ponds, rain barrels, watering troughs and the like, the Bti-product SOLBAC-TABS has proven its worth.

If there was anything positive to say about mosquitoes, one would have to think hard. They are really only appreciated by insectivores and as an age-old resin packed fossil embedded in amber. Perhaps, they might infre-quently serve as pollinators. The list of negative associations however is long: stinging is only one of many. Not only do they spread irritation, but also deadly diseases. Some people display an allergic reaction to their sting. Mos-quitoes are to be found almost every-where in the world; to escape from them one would have to retreat to the polar regions or the desert.

A mosquito’s preferenceOf the over 2 500 species of mosqui-toes in the world, about 100 are indig-enous to Europe. They have different stinging preferences: some sting mul-tiple times in a row, others only once a day; some attack in the daytime, oth-ers at night. The different species also have their similarities. For example, it is always only the female that stings and it selects its victims according to a range of criteria. Mosquitoes like car-bon dioxide, warmth, sweat, (floral) perfumes and dark colours in combi-nation with an individual cocktail of around 40 fragrances including lac-tic acid, fatty acids and amino acids. Due to this cocktail, mosquitoes are attracted to some individuals more than to others. According to a study by the institute IRD in Montpellier, mosquitoes are also highly attracted to beer drinkers. Apparently, the mos-quitoes have even “learned” that peo-ple with beer on their breath are less likely to fight back.

Twitching larvae in stagnant waterIn areas with many lakes, swamps and in floodplains it is impossible to escape the mosquitoes. In these areas, it is recommended to wear light-col-oured, long-sleeved clothing, to avoid sweat and body odour. There are many types of repellents, which are either directly applied to the skin or used in candles, smoke coils etc. To protect your home, insect screens on

doors and windows and a mosquito net over the bed may help.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. The developing larvae can eas-ily be recognised by their twitching movements just below the water’s sur-face. The infamous Asian tiger mos-quito (see box) only requires a very small body of water to complete its development. Owners of a garden biotope or those who do not want to be constantly cov-ering and uncovering their rain bar-rels or who would like to leave smaller puddles, can still prevent mosquitoes from reproducing in them.If there are no natural enemies, such as fish or dragon flies, mosquitoes can be controlled with another natu-ral foe: Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) controls mosquitoes efficiently and without any residues. Bti can be purchased in the form of practical SOLBAC-TABS. One tab is sufficient to treat 5 – 10 m2 of water surface; to treat smaller puddles, the tabs can be broken into smaller pieces. Treatment should be repeated every 10 – 14 days. Since SOLBAC-TABS are exclusively used to control the larvae of specific mosquitoes – and fungus gnats – they can also be used in fish ponds or in water with which pets may come in contact. Now back to the peaceful enjoyment of an after work beer!

JUDITH LADNER CALLIPARI, ANDERMATT BIOGARTEN

WHEN THE MOSQUITO BECOMES A TIGER

According to the database “Deliver-ing Alien Invasive Species Inventories for Europe“ (DAISIE), the tiger mos-quito (Aedes albopictus) is among the 100 worst invasive species in Europe. It originates from South East Asia and was brought to south-ern Europe through tiny water pud-dles found in used tires or in “Lucky bamboo“. From there it is spread-ing north. The Asian tiger mosquito is already quite well established in the canton of Ticino. Additionally, in September 2011, there was news of the Asian tiger mosquito having been seen in the canton of Aargau.

In spring 2011, a pan-European con-ference was held to define a com-bined control strategy against the Asian tiger mosquito. The topic is particularly important, because this type of mosquito can spread some very dangerous diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya and the West Nile Virus.

Bti products can also be used to con-trol Asian tiger mosquito larvae and other exotic mosquito larvae in this part of the world.

Picture 1: Garden pond: idyll and breeding ground for mosquitoes. (Picture: Judith Ladner Callipari)

17

Robust plant varieties for the organic gardenDue to an abundance of plant varieties, it can be very difficult for the hobby gardener to choose the right plant. However, the right choice of cultivar is the first step to having a low-mainte-nance garden. By choosing robust, withstanding plants, time and effort for plant protection can be reduced considerably. An example is the cultivation of the new scab resistant apple variety, Galiwa.

In professional agriculture, the choice of cultivars is far more important than for the hobby gardener. For the home grower, aesthetic aspects are usually more important than resistance. On the other hand, disease tolerant or even resistant plants would be par-ticularly well suited for the occa-sional gardener. The effort required for plant protection can be consider-ably reduced and easier maintenance will increase the plant owner’s enjoy-ment of his garden. All in line with the adage that “prevention is better than spraying“.

Many resistant varieties are already available for berries, vines and fruit trees, which are tolerant to many of the common fungal diseases. Even for roses, which are known to be sensi-tive to many diseases, a small range of resistant cultivars derived from organic cultivation is readily avail-able. These plants were specifically selected for their lower susceptibility to disease. For fruit-growing, the research stations are continuously on the look-out for further resistant cultivars, which can be grown in an eco-friendly manner.

These are the types that are essential for competitive professional organic fruit-growing. The same varieties can also be successfully grown in the home garden.

One example is the new scab resistant apple variety Galiwa. After 19 years of research, the research station Agro-scope Changins-Wädenswil (ACW) has finally found a sweet apple vari-ety that is tolerant to apple scab. The majority of the cultivars currently available have been predominantly sour. Sweet varieties, such as the pop-ular Gala, which are preferred by most Swiss consumers, have been lacking.

To this end the ACW breeder, Markus Kellerhals, began crossing scab resist-ant cultivations with Gala during the 90s. In 2010, the successfully cross-bred variety was launched under the name Galiwa. The apple’s name Galiwa gives reference to the parent variety Gala and the breeding loca-tion Wädenswil. A good crop yield as well as good storage properties enable Galiwa to fill a gap in organic fruit cultivation.

CHRISTA GERBER, ANDERMATT BIOGARTEN

Picture 1: Apple variety Galiwa (Picture: Agroscope)

Picture 2: Organic rose variety Pink Swany

ASSORTMENT OF ANDERMATT BIOGARTEN

Andermatt Biogarten has a selec-tion of plants in its product range that show low susceptibility to dis-eases and are suited for the organic garden. Apart from a variety of roses, berries and vines, Andermatt Biogarten also offers the scab resist-ant apple variety Galiwa grafted on M9. Come 2012, Andermatt Biogarten will also be offering a vari-ety of scab resistant organic column apple trees.

18

Efficacy testing of THYMOVAR in SwitzerlandAndermatt BioVet conducts efficacy tests for THYMOVAR on an annual cycle. For 2011, bee-keepers had to cope with an extraordinarily high varroa infestation due to long periods of warm weather during the spring season. The test was performed using a range of auxiliary equipment along with THYMOVAR. Independent of the auxiliary equipment used, the efficacy proved to be very high.

The test commenced with a total of 16 bee colonies. For the summer treatment during recent years, only THYMOVAR was used. The bee-keeper developed a special device for the use of THYMOVAR. It can be easily fitted into the typical Swiss bee hive. The study was designed to evalu-ate the influence of this device on the efficacy of THYMOVAR.

The device consists of a wooden frame with a fine wire mesh attached to the bottom (Picture 1). On the top, the frame has a slit to facilitate clos-ing with a sheet of acrylic glass. The device was used on a total of eight colonies. THYMOVAR strips were laid onto the wire mesh and the device closed with acrylic glass, protecting the strips from bees. In all the remain-ing colonies THYMOVAR was placed directly on top of the hive frames. A wooden slat 3 cm thick was placed across the wire mesh frames and cov-ered with thin wooden boards leaving an empty space of 3 cm height over the frames (Picture 2). The THYMOVAR strips were left in the hives for two three-week periods. One week after removal, we inserted another set of THYMOVAR strips for a second treatment. In the hives with direct access, some colonies began to cover the strips with propolis, other colonies started to nibble and remove parts of the THYMOVAR strips. This

behaviour was particularly observed on THYMOVAR strips that had already lost the majority of their thymol con-tent. There was no significant differ-ence between the number of varroa counted in hives with the device and hives with unprotected THYMOVAR strips (Table 1).

Hives No 1 and No 22, at the two extremeties of the stand, showed the largest count of varroa mites. Both colonies were created out of swarms of the same stand in 2011. Since there was a broodless period after the swarming, one would have expected rather small varroa counts. We con-sider the re-infestation to be an effect of visiting bees as the main source of the increased number of varroa mites in these colonies. A very close line-up of colonies, as in the stand under observation, seems to promote the re-infestation by visiting bees more than commonly considered likely. Colonies 1,17 and 18 showed counts of approx. 2 000 varroa mites. These were colonies with neither swarms nor offshoots during the year 2011.

Colony No 8 was built using frames from different colonies during 2011. The count of 1 900 Varroa is consid-ered to be relatively high for an off-shoot. In this case, varroa was intro-duced by including a covered brood thus documenting the already well

developed varroa population due to the warm spring weather.

On September 21st the second treat-ment was completed and the strips of THYMOVAR were removed. Due to the known delayed-action effect of THYMOVAR, the final count of varroa mites was conducted on October 4th. The total count of varroa during the THYMOVAR treatment and the follow-ing treatment with Oxalic acid build the basis for the efficacy computation as a percentage.

ROMAN ERNI, ANDERMATT BIOVET

Table 1: Survey table of infestationPicture 1: Wooden frame Picture 2: THYMOVAR with 3 cm spacing

Numbers of bee colonies 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Complete colony [C], remaining colony after swarming [CS], nuke [N], swarm [S]

S CS N CS Va N C S C C C C C C N S

THYMOVAR inserted in wooden frame ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Strength of the colony, strong [s], medium [m], weak [w] s s w m m m–s s w–m m m–s m–s m–s s m–s m s

23/7/11 In the eveningInsertion of wire mesh protected frames

Count of Varroal 50 15 4 12 17 25 30 7 3 11 30 24 75 26 12 16

Number of days of Varroa count 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Varroa count per day 16.7 5 1.3 4 5.7 8.3 10 2.3 1 3.7 10 8 25 8.7 4.0 5.3

2/8/2011Start of the 1st THYMOVAR treatment

½ plateVarroa count on frames

1 week after start of the treatment, 9/8/2011 480 30 43 180 190 700 420 disolved 32 100 250 240 500 320 100 180

2 weeks after start of the treatment, 16/8/2011 750 84 73 130 170 360 750 48 124 232 300 504 168 82 144


THYMOVAR removed, 23/8/2011


30/8/2011 Start of the 2nd THYMOVAR treatment

Varroa count on frames

1 week after start of the treatment, 6/9/2011 254 178 176 160 disolved 228 64 36 178 84 590 208 58 106 500

2 weeks after start of the treatment, 13/9/2011 222 232 218 108 120 118 18 64 72 224 252 140 166 460




Total count of Varroa during THYMOVAR treatment 2560 1127 1104 1129 536 2020 2118 280 834 1039 2233 2449 1302 850 3238

19

In central Europe, a brood free period from the end of November to the beginning of December is observed. The THYMOVAR treatment is com-pleted with a control treatment using oxalic acid during the brood free period. Each of the colonies should enter the new season with a total count of less than 50 varroa mites. The treatment of the colonies with OXUVAR or the VARROX vaporizer for Oxalic acid is therefore our choice for the control treatment during the brood free period.

MAIN RESULTS OF THE TEST

�� There is no significant difference in efficacy in using the protective device for THYMOVAR application. The covering of the unprotected THYMOVAR strips with droppings does not influence the activity of THYMOVAR.

�� THYMOVAR strips with nibbling damage do not lose their activity since only empty cellulose is removed from the hive.

�� Varroa counts show the high efficacy of THYMOVAR (A final statement with accurate percentage rates can only be made after the control treatment with oxalic acid during the brood free period at the end of the year)

�� Do to re-infestation by visiting bees, all hives in a colony should be treated simultaneously. Ideally neighbouring beekeepers should treat their colonies dur-ing the same period.

�� Steady high temperatures favoured the evaporation of Thymol during the treat-ment period of August and September 2011.

�� Due to the good tolerance of THYMOVAR, vitality of the bee colonies was not negatively influenced during the test

Table 1: Survey table of infestation

Numbers of bee colonies 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Complete colony [C], remaining colony after swarming [CS], nuke [N], swarm [S]

S CS N CS Va N C S C C C C C C N S

THYMOVAR inserted in wooden frame ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Strength of the colony, strong [s], medium [m], weak [w] s s w m m m–s s w–m m m–s m–s m–s s m–s m s

23/7/11 In the eveningInsertion of wire mesh protected frames

Count of Varroal 50 15 4 12 17 25 30 7 3 11 30 24 75 26 12 16

Number of days of Varroa count 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Varroa count per day 16.7 5 1.3 4 5.7 8.3 10 2.3 1 3.7 10 8 25 8.7 4.0 5.3

2/8/2011Start of the 1st THYMOVAR treatment

½ plateVarroa count on frames

1 week after start of the treatment, 9/8/2011 480 30 43 180 190 700 420 disolved 32 100 250 240 500 320 100 180





30/8/2011 Start of the 2nd THYMOVAR treatment

Varroa count on frames

1 week after start of the treatment, 6/9/2011 254 178 176 160 disolved 228 64 36 178 84 590 208 58 106 500





Total count of Varroa during THYMOVAR treatment 2560 1127 1104 1129 536 2020 2118 280 834 1039 2233 2449 1302 850 3238

20

Maggot Debridement Therapy – A standard benefit of the Swiss health insurance scheme since July 1st, 2011Chronic wounds are often coated with the remains of dead cells (fibrin, necrosis). These gen-erate the perfect breeding ground for bacteria which often lead to an infection of the wound. Therefore, one of the first and foremost steps in the treatment of chronic wounds is to remove the fibrin and necrosis (debridement). A very efficient approach is maggot debridement therapy. Since July 1st, 2011, this therapy is covered by the compulsory health insurance offered by all health insurance companies in Switzerland.

Maggot debridement therapy is a modern and very successful method to clean and disinfect chronic wounds. In Switzerland, more than 70 institu-tions (mainly university- and cantonal hospitals) currently make regular use of this therapy.

In April 2009, Entomos took over the maggot production and market-ing from the Swiss Tropical Institute of Basel University. In summer 2009, Entomos filed an application with the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) to have maggot debridement therapy integrated into the obliga-tory basic health insurance scheme. Experts of the FOPH examined the method for effectiveness, appropriate-ness and efficiency. In Summer 2011, the Swiss Federal Council decided to include maggot debridement therapy for treatment of chronic wounds in the Regulation of Health Insurance Ben-efits. As a result, the therapy is now financed by health insurers.

Opportunity especially for out-patientsOn January 1st, 2012, Switzerland will introduce the new Diagnosis Related

Groups-System (Swiss DRG) along with the associated new financing of hospital treatment. Some hospi-tals have already adopted the Swiss DRG system for in-patients. There-fore, maggot debridement therapy is already invoiced at a flat rate along with many other benefits. However, the obligatory inclusion of the mag-got debridement therapy in the basic insurance has made a great change for out-patients. Until now, ambulatory

care professionals made use of thera-pies which were covered by the com-pulsory health insurance unless the patient explicitly requested maggot debridement therapy and was willing to pay for it out of his own pocket. Due to the availability of reimburse-ment by the health insurance funds, home care nursing services, wound ambulatories as well as general prac-titioners can use this cost-efficient method more frequently.

URS FANGER, ENTOMOS

Picture 1: Decubitus wound with a maggot bag in place. Protection of wound lip with storna paste (Picture credit: cantonal hospital Baden)

Picture 2: Packaged product

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