Rigel-G provides cherries with greater resistance to SWD

The application of Rigel G, a bioactive silicon product manufactured by Orion Future Technology (FT), is the first to demonstrate how a cherry crop can be enhanced to resist SWD.

Kate Williams, Technical Manager at Orion FT explains:

“We used 1 litre of Rigel G per hectare and applied it three times during the ripening process to increase the puncture resistance of the fruit. The silicon in Rigel G increased the cuticle thickness of the plant and strengthened internal structures which helped to repel the SWD larvae.”

Rigel G makes silicon plant-available to enhance the plant’s natural defences. Unique iNHIB technology, created by Orion FT, delivers silicon to the plant as a stable, bioactive monosilicic acid, which, when absorbed, strengthens the plant and the all-important fruit.

“SWD appeared in 2012 and we have since been looking for a way to protect crops against this fruit fly species which has a serrated ovipositor enabling it to lay eggs in ripening fruit. The larvae subsequently feed on the fruit, and this is estimated to cost the fruit industry £30 million in damages every year,” she says.

The use of Rigel G also demonstrated the effect silicon has on the elicitor properties of the plant. “Silicon stimulates the natural defence mechanism of the plant to help it deal with stress. By strengthening the structure of the plant, silicon also helps to boost its natural pest repelling ability.”

Further trials on fruit have been carried out with similar results. “In a trial with the University of Reading we were able to show that blueberries treated with Rigel G saw a reduction of almost 50% in SWD larvae. The combination of our iNHiB technology with selected plant extracts provides a dual approach to integrated pest management that will help fruit growers to reduce losses in the future,” she concludes.

We have developed novel product formulations that stimulate natural plant defence mechanisms, with application across all sectors including agriculture, horticulture, ornamentals, amenity and forestry.

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