Biscaya - new information
Biscaya; new formulation, pack and label
A new formulation of the insecticide Biscaya (thiacloprid) is now available in three litre packs with three further crop approvals on the label.
Bayer’s Dr Bill Lankford says the decreased viscosity and flowability of the new OD (oil dispersion) formulation has enabled it to be supplied in these larger packs which now empty as fast as the previous one litre bottles, even at 50C.
“Oilseed rape growers in particular should find this helpful. Last year’s monitoring of pollen beetle showed a significant increase in the severity of pyrethroid resistance and further spread across the UK. Biscaya is the only non-pyrethroid insecticide approved for application to oilseed rape plants once 10% of flowers have opened (GS 61). The new three litre pack conveniently treats 10ha and the optimised formulation will speed up sprayer filling and save time rinsing containers.
Further approvals on the new Biscaya 2011 label are for control of cabbage and peach-potato 
aphids in Brussels sprouts and willow-carrot aphid in carrots and parsnips. In combining and vining peas its approval has also been extended to include control of pea midge damage in addition to control of pea aphids.
Treatment of Brussels sprouts, carrots and parsnips was previously covered by SOLAs – which are used at the grower’s risk – and Bayer’s Dr Bill Lankford adds; “The move to on-label approvals means these growers now have our full backing for the use of Biscaya to control aphids. Pursuing on label approvals is part of Bayer’s commitment to help field vegetable growers deliver the quality demanded by food retailers.”
HDC are in the process of transferring other specialist crop SOLAs to the new Biscaya formulation (MAPP 15014) for control of mealy cabbage aphid in swede and turnip and control of willow carrot aphid in outdoor crops of horseradish, parsley root, red beet and salsify. The previous SOLA for leafy brassicas has been revoked.
