Field testing of BACTICIDE®, PHYTOVERM® and CHITINASE for control of the raspberry midge blight in Siberia

Three products based on compounds of biological origin were tested for their ability to control the raspberry midge blight in the Siberian region of Russia. Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (BACTICIDE(R)) and Streptomyces avermitilis metabolites (PHYTOVERM(R)) were used against Thomasiniana theobaldi (a general member of the midge blight) and CHITINASE was used against fungi (mainly Didymella applanata) associated with T. theobaldi. The BACTICIDE(R) (0.2%) and PHYTOVERM(R) (0.2%) sprays caused a 2-fold decrease in midge blight severity and the same effect was obtained with chemical insecticides. The CHITINASE (1%) spray caused a 4-fold decrease in the severity of midge blight. In addition, CHITINASE and PHYTOVERM(R) caused a significant suppression of the independent spur blight. These studies form the basis for further evaluation of ecologically safe control of the raspberry midge blight.