Optimol
Registered crops: All crops
Pack size: 20 L
Optimol has been developed by AgBiTech as an additive to enhance performance of Vivus Max under a range of agronomic and environmental conditions. It contains sugars (from molasses) and petroleum oil, which independent and in-house research has shown can increase the efficacy (percent control and speed of kill) of Vivus Max.
The maximum performance with Vivus Max will best be achieved by closely following the recommendations on the label. However under certain conditions, the addition of Optimol can improve the level of control achieved. Such conditions include:
- Cooler conditions (<25°C) that may cause reduced larval activity and feeding
- High UV light conditions
- Hot, dry conditions during spraying (where application cannot be delayed)
- Targeting high larval numbers or larvae at the larger end of the recommended size spectrum for the insecticide
In addition, Optimol should be included with Vivus Max in the following crops, where a high level of control from NPV is required (e.g. above threshold conditions when applied alone):
- Cotton
- Grain legumes
- Lucerne
Optimol is thought to work in 3 key ways:
- Improved spray coverage; this occurs from the oil component providing reduced droplet evaporation and improved droplet/plant contact
- Increased initial uptake and infection; the sugars may act as a feeding stimulant and are also effective in separating virus particles - thereby increasing the number of infective units on the plant. Optimol may also alter the gut chemistry of feeding caterpillars, thereby increasing the activity of stomach acting biological insecticides (such as Vivus Max)
- Improved residual activity; the sugars and oil combine to provide a more suitable micro-climate for biological insecticides on the plant surface, through acidification by the sugars, and the oil acting as an anti-oxidant and providing some UV protection
