Entomos Index

Journal of the Andermatt Group

entomos Index

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

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

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

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

Central Switzerland Innovation Award for Andermatt Biocontrol MARTIN ANDERMATT, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL...... 9

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

Andermatt Biocontrol acquires the company Probis DANIEL ZINGG, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL...... 10

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

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

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

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

Workshop on the application strategies, markets and perspectives using baculoviruses in the Near and Middle East MATHIAS 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 garden CHRISTA GERBER, ANDERMATT BIOGARTEN...... 17

Efficacy testing of THYMOVAR in Switzerland ROMAN ERNI, ANDERMATT BIOVET...... 18

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

Dear readers,

In order to make reading more pleas- This AG-Journal contains the latest ant, we have decided to print separate results of our ongoing research and editions of the Journal simultaneously findings in support of our products. in German, French and English instead We would once again like to thank of just adding the translations to the all owners of the crops on which field articles in German. Should you wish trials were carried out as well as all to receive a copy in one of the other the members of research institutes languages, please feel free to contact and cantonal administrations involved us. therein for their kind collaboration.

In 2011, the Andermatt Group contin- On behalf of the Andermatt Group, I ued to make further dynamic progress. wish you an enjoyable time reading The illustration below gives a primary this journal. impression, and on pages 9 and 10 you will find more information on the companies Probis GmbH, Sylvar Technologies Inc. and Madumbi Sus- Dr. Martin Andermatt tainable Agriculture Ltd. Chairman of the Board

Andermatt Holding

entomos

www.biocontrol.ch www.biogarten.ch www.biovet.ch www.entomos.ch www.service-ag.ch

GmbH

Germany, 30% Germany, 100% www.andermatt-biovet.de

topcat GmbH

Germany, 100% Germany, 100% Switzerland, 100% Canada, 60% South Africa, 40% Austria, 33% Germany, 10% www.topcat.ch www.sylvar.ca www.madumbi.co.za www.biohelp.at www.biofa-profi.de 1 Plant Protection for Professionals

Marketing Export

Daniel Zingg Alex Meier Dr. Philip Kessler Managing Director Head of Marketing Export Head of Regulatory Affairs

Iris Kraaz Mathias Bamert Dr. Deborah Technical Support Technical Support Britschgi Registrations, Technical Support

Erich Frank Cécile Brun Head of Sales Export Office

Daniel Zingg Philip Kessler Mathias Bamert

Alex Meier Deborah Britschgi Iris Kraaz 2 Marketing Switzerland

Martin Günter Samuel Stüssi Bertrand Marketing Director Consultant Vegetable- Gentizon Switzerland, Consultant growing, Ornemental Plants, Consultant Fruit-growing, Viticulture, Arable Crops Indoor Cultures, Botanical Horticulture Gardens, Berries, Beneficials

Silke Süsse Marco Arn Richard Pellissier Sales Manager Sales Manager Sales Manager East Switzerland Western Switzerland Valais

Lionel Lo Brutto Sales Manager Western Switzerland

SH BS TG BL ZH

JU AG AR SO AI Silke Süsse ZG SG LU SZ Samuel Stüssi NE GL Bertrand Gentizon NW Martin Günter OW UR GR Marco Arn FR BE Lionel Lo Brutto VD Richard Pellissier Lionel Lo Brutto TI GE VS

Margrit Fessler Irene Jrène Häfliger Office Bremgartner Office Office

Kathrin Flückiger Matthias Jäggin Stefanie Hirsiger Office Desktop-Publisher Office, Desktop-Publisher

Apprentice

Adrian Felder Office, Desktop-Publisher

Apprentice 3 Products for House and Garden

Ralph Schwarz Christa Gerber Judith Ladner Managing Director Product Management Callipari Product Management

Sandra Rita Uhlmann Martina Venetz Pabst-Gubler Export, Customer Service Desktop Publishing Marketing

Charlotte Zaugg Lukas Schwitter Customer Service Customer Service, Desktop Publishing

Apprentice

Animal Health with a Natural Advantage

Ralph Esther Manser Roman Erni Schmidgall Animal Health, Sales Manager Managing Director Regulatory Affairs Apiary Products

Brigitte Rachel Asbach Joel Struchen Zimmermann Customer Service, Customer Service, Customer Service Export Quality Control Desktop Publishing

Apprentice

Insects for Feed, Research and entomos Maggot Debridement Therapy

Urs Fanger Kathrin Flückiger Stefanie Hirsiger Managing Director Customer Service Customer Service, Desktop Publishing

Apprentice 4 Mating disruption in vineyards – a look back and across the border The 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 viticulture The grape moth is the main pest in viticulture. In most of the European wine-growing regions, especially in southern Europe, the European grapevine 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- zerland In regions where the grape moth is prevalent, it must usually also be Picture 1: ISONET ® mating disruption dispenser controlled. Means of control include several insecticides with various active ingredients as well as mating are only two countries or regions with disruption. The first steps of deploy- a comparably high percentage of viti- OUTLOOK ing mating disruption techniques in cultural area managed by pest mating viticulture date back to the late sev- disruption. In Germany, this amounts The example of Switzerland reveals enties, albeit with rather modest suc- to approximately 60% of the vine- that mating disruption applied to cess. About 10 years later, the effect yards, or about 60 000 hectares. In large areas works well, even when of mating disruption was demon- the Trentino – South Tirol region, as some partial areas are theoretically strated in the field. In 1986, exactly much as 65% of the vineyards are not ideally suited. Technical support 25 years ago, the first dispenser was using mating disruption. Only the by the Swiss Research Institute, the approved as a plant protection prod- Czech Republic with 17% (3 000 ha) cantons and the company along with uct. Driven by the efforts of Pierre- and Austria with 8% (3 500 ha) accu- open-mindedness on the part of the Joseph Charmillot of the Swiss Fed- mulate additional significant market Swiss wine-growers remain key fac- eral Research Institution, Agroscope shares. tors in the success of mating disrup- Changins as well as Augustin Schmid In Europe as a whole, mating disruption techniques in Switzerland. of the Valais plant protection author- tion in vineyards is applied in a total of ity, mating disruption reached a high approximately 140 000 hectares. This In a European or even global context, acceptance level in Switzerland. In is equivalent to a mere 3 – 4% of the mating disruption control is far from 1996, Andermatt Biocontrol was able surface area of European vineyards. having been fully exploited. Mating to announce the first approvals for The share in the major wine-pro- disruption is a specific, residue-free mating disruption in viticulture and ducing countries – France, Italy and approach which is friendly to ben- introduced sales in Switzerland. Spain – accounts for only 2 – 3%. The eficial insects thus it can contribute The number of vineyards treated with main reason for this small surface area to more ecological wine-growing mating disruption has increased con- is financial. Grape prices are very low without or at least with a significant sistantly since 1996. Now, in Switzer- in many wine-growing regions, quite reduction in the use of insecticides. land more than 60% of the approxi- often less than half a Swiss Franc per mately 15 000 hectares of vineyards kg, therefore the use of support mech- are covered. This makes Switzerland anisms is generally reduced to a min- the country with the highest per- imum. Furthermore, insecticides are centage of viticultural area treated very cheap in some countries (particu- with mating disruption techniques larly in Eastern Europe) with the result altogether. that by comparison, mating disruption is relatively costly. On the other hand, Look beyond the borders most markets have only been devel- Resources: Switzerland sets an example regarding oped within recent years and, as a C. Ioriatti et al., Chemical Ecology and Management of Lobesia botrana coverage of pest mating disruption. In result, do not yet have the same level (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). 2011. J. Econ. the immediate neighbourhood, there of experience as Switzerland. Entomol. 104 (4): 1125 – 1137 5 Potatoes: Use of BIOSOL as a soil improver The 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 potatoes harvested by 50% within two to three years.

SAMUEL STÜSSI, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL

Production of BIOSOL and how it works WORTHWHILE BIOSOL is a by-product of penicil- APPLICATION lin production. For several days, the culture medium is fermented with In the trial years 2009 and 2010, Penicillium Chrysogenum and as a the application of BIOSOL pro- result, proteins, syrup, trace elements vided an added value of 3000 to and vitamins are converted into a fun- 5500 CHF per ha in a harvest size gal biomass. After the extraction of the of 25 to 30 tons per hectare. Consid- penicillin and subsequent re-drying ering that the price per unit of nitro- and granulation, BIOSOL is left as a gen with BIOSOL is about twice as nitrogen-rich (7% N) fertiliser contain- high as for standard organic fertilizer, ing chitin. Chitin is an important com- BIOSOL is recommended for superior ponent of the cell membranes of fungi, and high quality cultures. insects as well as nematodes. Many of the soil micro-organisms known to be beneficial(e.g. Trichoderma sp., Bacil lus amyloliquefaciens, Paecilomyces lilacinus) produce enzymes of chiti- Picture 1: Test field of potatoes, 2009 nase. Chitin is biodegradable enabling these enzymes to decompose it com- pletely. The application of BIOSOL into the soil stimulates these benefi- the three year period, although the Expression of appreciation cial myco-parasitic organisms (Heller, BIOSOL variant did somewhat better. Many thanks to Daniel Hangartner 2007; Strasser, 2007). The accumula- In the years 2009 and 2010, the quan- for his assistance in sorting the potato tion of these “beneficials” in the soil tity of saleable potatoes was consid- samples. results in a suppression of pathogenic erably higher using BIOSOL. Com- fungi. pared to the standard fertiliser, 50% more potatoes could be merchan- BIOSOL – use in potatoes dised. In 2011, there was no con- Resources: Heller W.E., Neuweiler R., Krauss J. On an organic farm in Oberhasli sistency in the results. On one plot, (2007): Erste Erfahrungen mit dem Einsatz (Canton Zurich), one half of potato the yield was slightly better, but on von Chitin gegen die Kohlhernie. Der culture was treated with BIOSOL and another, no positive effect could be Gemüsebau 6/2007: 15 – 17. the other half with a commercially achieved, although the experiment Strasser H. et al. (2007): Einfluss von available synthetic N-fertiliser. Using was performed on a much higher level Agro BIOSOL auf Erdbeerkulturen, a similar amount of N, the quantitative of productivity and yield compared to Bodenmikroorganismen und GRANMET- yields did not differ significantly over previous years. Wirkstoff. Universität Innsbruck

12 Consumption Waste 10 Small goods

6 74% 81%

86% 82%

Yield metres per 2 [kg] 4 78% 58% 72% 55%

2 25% 21% 12% 40% 8% 24% 8% 13% 14% 17% 0 BIOSOL 2009 Standard 2009 BIOSOL 2010 Standard 2010 BIOSOL 2011/1 Standard 2011/1 BIOSOL 2011/2 Standard 2011/2 6 Chart 1: Average yields from test digs of each two linear metres (n=5) and percentage of the different sortings. SLUXX – A new generation of slug pellets In 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 cultivation 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 prevalent. 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- Picture 1: Even under high levels of continuous rain the SLUXX pellets retain their original date even apart from biological farm- shape thus maintain their attractiveness for slugs. ing. For Swiss agriculture, SLUXX is the only slug pellet available which is not based on Metaldehyde as the active ingredient. primarily on the firmness and high metaldehyde-based product, only Adapted formulation for agriculture density of the pellets. The pellets are 67% were killed. In Spring or Autumn, On ingestion by the slugs, iron phos- made of pressed durum wheat and are this could be an advantage of SLUXX, phate causes pathological changes therefore fairly rainproof. They retain depending on ambient conditions. in the digestive organs. This results their form even after repeated drench- in immediate eating suspension. The ing. A dosage of 7 kg/ha is equivalent slugs crawl away into the soil and to 60 pellets per square metre. Com- perish within 1– 3 days. There are no pared to other baits, this is a very large trails of slime which is certainly an amount. For sufficient area coverage, advantage in certain specific appli- about 35 pellets per square metre are CONCLUSION cations (e.g. in landscape gardening). generally recommended. The effect of SLUXX is also high at SLUXX is a new high quality slug Ensured effectivity due to high con- lower temperatures. In an experi- pellet which is equally suited to both centration ment at a constant temperature of biological agriculture as well as inte- The experimentally confirmed very 10 °C, SLUXX led to a snail mor- grated production. good efficiency of SLUXX is based tality rate of 97% whereas with a

100 SLUXX 90 Reference product 80 Untreated 70

Plant damage [%] 30

0 Winter wheat Strawberries Lettuce Rapeseed Grey field slug Grey field slug Garden slug Grey field slug

Chart 1: Plant damage [%] when treated with SLUXX, and compared to pellets of Metaldehyd / Methiocarb and to an untreated control. 7 Nematodes against codling moth – an additional option Experiments 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 carried out a series of experiments with entomopathogenic nematodes to control 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 product: TRAUNEM) in plenty of water. In two experiments, data on the mortality rate of diapausing (overwintering) larvae were collected, whereby, mortality 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. Picture 1: Corrugated cardboard bands to determine the mortality rate of diapausing codling Many experiments in neighbouring moth larvae after applying nematodes. countries have revealed mortality rates of between 40 and 70%. Experi- ments conducted in the canton of conditions during and after spraying, moth. Nevertheless, Steinernema Valais confirm the acknowledged which explains the great fluctuations feltiae can be considered as a supple- population reducing effect of apply- in the effect achieved. mentary tool for population manage- ing nematodes on diapausing larvae. ment when infestation by the codling The efficacy, however, is highly influ- Nematodes will hardly develop into a moth is particularly strong. enced by application and weather standard method to control the codling

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Andermatt Service AG Published yearly in German, French and Stahlermatten 6 English. 6146 Grossdietwil Switzerland Nominal fee: Fr. 9.50

Tel. +41 (0)62 917 51 17 Editors Fax +41 (0)62 917 50 06 Martin Andermatt [email protected] Melanie Eiholzer www.service-ag.ch Design Matthias Jäggin 8 Central Switzerland Innovation Award for Andermatt Biocontrol The 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- selecting a granulovirus product for realised in cooperation with numer- virus product MADEX has been used the control of the oriental fruit moth ous national and international institu- to control the codling moth which (see pages 11 and 12). tions and companies. We would like causes the worm holes often found to express our sincere thanks to all of in pome fruit. Over the years, geno- Andermatt Biocontrol is fully commit- these partners for their constructive types were selected in some European ted to innovation: one in five employ- cooperation. orchards which were likely to be less ees is a member of the successful sensitive to the codling moth granu- R&D (research and development) lovirus. With these resistant codling team under the direction of Franz moth populations and using a tech- Bollhalder. In addition to the devel- nique developed in-house, Andermatt opment of new products, this versatile Biocontrol was able to select granulo- team is constantly engaged in improv- virus genotypes which were capable ing the manufacturing efficiency of of overcoming the resistance. Based our established products thereby on the same procedure, Andermatt strengthening our international mar- Biocontrol has also succeeded in ket presence. Many sub-projects were

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. continues to partner with other North ca) was established by Forest Protec- American researchers and organisa- tion Limited (www.forestprotection- tions to bring new leadership to the limited.com) and BioAtlantech (www. development and production of bacu- bioatlantech.nb.ca) in Fredericton loviruses and other technology for the (New Brunswick) in 2006 to develop management of insect pests in forest and commercialise safe and environ- and agricultural markets. mentally-friendly bio-pesticide solutions for controlling forest pests. Syl- With the expertise of Andermatt var’s launch product, ABIETIV, was Biocontrol, Sylvar will improve its TECHNOLOGIES INC. used successfully by aerial application capabilities to produce and offer for- against balsam fir sawfly(Neodiprion estry-related pest control products abietis) from 2006 – 2009 in New- into global markets from its laborato- foundland and Labrador, and again ries in Fredericton, NB. At the same in 2011 in New Brunswick. ABIETIV time, the cooperation will enable is based on the nucleopolyhedrovi- Andermatt Biocontrol to expand its rus of Neodiprion abietis as its active portfolio of plant protection products ingredient. to include forestry-related bio-pesti- cides and expertise as well as expand- Sylvar is currently exploring other for- ing its presence in the Canadian and est and agricultural opportunities. It US marketplace. 9 Andermatt Biocontrol acquires the company Probis

DANIEL ZINGG, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL

On October 1st, 2011, the com- offer GRANUPOM in Probis’ former pany Probis GmbH was acquired by markets whereby production will be Andermatt Biocontrol from the former relocated to Grossdietwil. owner Dr. Martin Knoch. Probis produced and marketed the product We are very pleased about the acqui- GRANUPOM. GRANUPOM con- sition as the position of Andermatt tains the same active substance as Biocontrol in the granulovirus mar- MADEX (Codling moth granulovirus). ket is thereby further expanded and Andermatt Biocontrol will continue to strengthened.

Exciting partnership between Andermatt Biocontrol and Madumbi Bio Farms

DANIEL ZINGG, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL

Andermatt Biocontrol and the South The lead product of the new company recently introduced in South Africa African company Madumbi Bio Farms is the baculovirus product CRYPTEX for use on potatoes and vegetables. have contracted a new partnership to against false codling moth on citrus, BOLLDEX is a baculovirus product strengthen their common market posi- pomegranates and persimmons. Other developed by Andermatt Biocontrol tion in South Africa. Both companies new and exciting products for the against the African bollworm in dif- share their vision to develop sustain- South African market are RHIZOVITAL ferent crops like tomatoes, citrus, able environmental-friendly solu- and BOLLDEX ( = HELICOVEX). stone fruits and other vegetables. The tions for the fast growing agricultural RHIZOVITAL is a product based on product is currently in the registration market in southern Africa. Within the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens which was process. 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 standing 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 Picture 1: Andre Fox, CEO (middle) and two of his employees (left: Sias Leipoldt, more new products and sustainable Sustainable Biocontrol Manager; right: Megan Tyler, Marketing Assistant and Customer 10 solutions in the future. Support). 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 provides 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 Mexi can) strain close isolate on an oriental 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 granuloviruses (e.g. MADEX), the new strain produced by Andermatt Biocontrol will combine highly specific and residue-free insect control thus providing an IPM-friendly resistance management tool. Results from selected study sites and a summary covering two years of field tests are presented here. Picture 1: Larva of the oriental fruit moth (Grapholita molesta) Due to its heterogeneous migratory behaviour, OFM is very difficult to control. As well as its key role as a pest to pome fruit orchards as soon as its ability to complete its entire life cycle on stone fruit, OFM has become an original host fruit has been harvested on other fruit tree species, such as economically important pest in pome and thus provokes severe fruit damage apple and pear, in certain regions. A fruits. This has particularly been the before harvest. Moreover, new studies combined effect on both pests is thus case in southern regions of Europe in in France (Siegwart et al, 2010) have of key interest for producers. recent years. OFM frequently migrates confirmed that OFM has acquired the 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- Shoot strikes/plot [%] Total fruit damage [%] Efficacy on total damage fornia) at different dose rates in 2011. Two applications were made within 60 100 each of two OFM generations based on a temperature-dependant pre- 50 dictive phenological model. The 80 assessment prior to harvest provides

40 68% information about shoot strikes and 60 fruit damage (Chart 1). With a high infestation of 23% in the control, 30 MADEX TWIN was able to reduce the 44% 23.3 A [%] Efficacy 40 total fruit damage (stopped and active

Fruit/shoot damage [%] 20 damage) by 68%. 13 B 20 Another field experiment with 10 7.5 C MADEX TWIN in Switzerland resulted 2.4 a 1.1 b 0.8 b in an excellent efficacy of 90% prior 0 0 to harvest against active fruit dam- Untreated MADEX TWIN MADEX TWIN control 1 fl oz/A (73 ml/ha) 1.5 fl oz/A (110 ml/ha) age of codling moth (CM) in an apple orchard (Chart 2). The reduction of Chart 1: Field trial with MADEX TWIN against OFM in peach (California USA, total fruit damage was 74%.  Certis USA, 2011). 11 MARKET INTRODUCTION

Apple (CM) Peach (OFM) Nectarine (OFM) The active substance of MADEX TWIN has received Annex I inclusion Average efficacy on 56% (n= 8) 60% (n= 2) and respective preparations for the shoot strike reduction zonal registration in Southern Europe Average efficacy on are under way. Registrations outside reduction of total fruit 66% (n= 5) 65% (n= 9) 67% (n= 3) Europe are also undergoing prepa- damage (incl. superficial damage) ration. It is estimated that the new larvicide will be launched through Average efficacy on Andermatt Biocontrol’s existing dis- reduction of deep 86% (n= 7) 85% (n= 1) no data damage tribution network all over the world between 2012 and 2014. At present, Table 1: Average efficacy level of MADEX TWIN. Field trials from 2010/2011. 100 ml/ha the new isolate is patent pending. (n = number of field trials)

Conclusions from two field trial sea- the new strain produced by Andermatt before harvest, fruit damage may not sons Biocontrol will combine highly spe- be fully prevented. Nevertheless, virus Granuloviruses have an outstanding cific and residue-free insect control applications are still expedient in such population control effect (Kienzle et thus providing an IPM-friendly resist- cases, because overwintering larvae al, 2001). Although they act slower ance management tool. are thus decimated. than a chemical reference larvicide, The application strategy does not dif- they are absolutely host-specific, fer considerably from the existing Acknowledgments harmless to beneficial insects and resi- CpGV recommendation. As an excel- We wish to thank Certis USA, due free. To achieve accurate efficacy lent population management tool, Intrachem Bio Italia, Agrichem Bio data with granuloviruses in field tri- MADEX TWIN complements IPM Spain, Biocont Hungary/Slovakia, als, a differentiation between stopped spray programs. To maximise benefit Compo Expert France, Madumbi superficial damage and active damage from this effect, applications should Sustainable Agriculture SA, Agricheck should therefore be made whenever be focused on the larval hatching Argentina, Biofa Germany, Hellafarm possible. period of the earliest OFM genera- Greece and all other partners for set- Superficial or stopped damage indi- tions using a standard dose of 100 ml/ ting up the trials. We especially thank cates that the larvae had been suc- ha. Additionally, MADEX TWIN per- Prof. Dr. Jehle for his assistance with cessfully infected and killed by the fectly complements a mating disrup- isolate identification. virus. Average efficacy levels from tion strategy in situations where OFM two years of field trials are presented infestation is high. in table 1. Because OFM often migrates into As it is already the case in the current pome fruit orchards late in the sea- range of granuloviruses (e.g. MADEX), son and provokes fruit damage just

References Kienzle J., Zebitz C.P.W., Schulz C., Huber Total damage [%] Active damage [%] Efficacy on active damage J. 2001. Persistence of the biological effect of codling moth granulovirus in the orchard. 6 100 IOBC/WPRS Bulletin 26 (1), 2003. pp 5.4 a 245 – 248 5.1 A 90.2% 5 Siegwart, M., Bouvier F., Maugin 80.5% 80 S., Sauphanor B. 2010 Host plant differentiation in French populations of the 4 oriental fruit moth, Cydia molesta. IOBC/ 60 WPRS Bulletin: Meeting of IOBC/WPRS Working Group “Integrated Protection of 3 Fruit Crops”, Vico del Gargano, Italy, 2010. 2.4 b

Efficacy [%] Efficacy In Press 40 2

Fruit damage before harvest [%] Fruit damage before 1.4 b 1 AB 20 1 0.5 B

0 0 Untreated MADEX TWIN MADEX control 100 ml/ha 100 ml/ha

Chart 2: Fruit infestation of codling moth before harvest in an apple orchard, treated with 12 MADEX TWIN (Andermatt Biocontrol, Switzerland 2010). TOPCAT – The vole trap. Revision of a first-rate product for increased trapping efficiency The 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.

ALEX MEIER, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL

TOPCAT – A first class vole trap the slit in the cover and the rocker The TOPCAT-trap is especially suita- is positioned horizontally over the THE SALES NETWORK OF ble for trapping water vole (Arvicola cover, held in place by the tip of TOPCAT-PRODUCTS IS terrestris) and common vole or field the snapper arm. When the trap is GROWING STEADILY mouse (Microtus arvalis). The vole released, the rocker is positioned ver- trap is particularly easy to handle and tically, parallel to the exterior body of Originally TOPCAT-traps could be control. The trap is positioned in an the TOPCAT-trap. The clamping lever bought only in Switzerland. Later the inhabited vole tunnel. The voles are is now approximately 8 cm lower than sales network was expanded to Ger- captured from both tunnel directions. in the armed position (Picture 1). many, France and Belgium. The TOPCAT-trap is purely mechani- cal with no bait or chemicals required. The new clamping lever has been In the meantime, over 80 outlets are changed in shape to improve the selling TOPCAT-traps and accesso- All parts of the TOPCAT-trap are made visual difference between an armed ries (searching rod, ground cutter, of stainless steel. The trap thus stands and released trap. When the trap is bracket, and picket). These outlets out from others through its excellent armed, the clamping lever now pro- extend to countries including Swit- quality. trudes even more through the slit in zerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, the cover (Picture 1). It is now possi- France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Improvement of visibility for in- ble to see even more easily and from Finland and Slovenia. Andermatt creased efficiency a greater distance whether a trap is Biocontrol is constantly expanding The relative position of the clamping already released or still armed. Check- its sales network further afield. lever and rocker indicate (to the oper- ing the TOPCAT-trap is simplified and ator) whether the trap is released or trapping efficiency is considerably still armed. When the trap is armed, improved. the clamping lever is raised through

TOPCAT-TRAP NEW TOPCAT-TRAP OLD

ARMED RELEASED ARMED RELEASED

Picture 1: Position of the clamping lever and rocker of the new and the old trap. 13 Zonal approval of plant protection products in the EU The 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

A new regulation The new plant protection products regulation (EC) Nr. 1107/2009 came into Northern zone th force on 14 June 2011. Apart from Central zone more rigid criteria for the approval of Southern zone plant protection products, the new regulation facilitates the mutual recognition of products between member states inside a specific zone of the EU.

Zonal assessment Plant protectants will be newly evaluated in a northern, central and southern zone (see chart 1). The application 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. Chart 1: Assessment of plant protection products in three zones in the EU. Strict timelines Northern zone (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden); A pre-submission meeting on the Central zone (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Ireland, data package should help to comply Luxembourg, Netherland, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Romania); Southern zone (Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain) 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 product 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 applicant. Within the framework of mutual are difficult to calculate. It is not clear, recognition, the other member states to what amount fees can be charged have to adopt the approval within by a member state, for which no CONCLUSION 120 days. mutual recognition has been applied. As a consequence it is getting tremen- According to the new regulations No harmonisation of fees dously difficult for small producers of there is no possibility for national Despite harmonisation efforts within biological plant protection products to provisional approvals anymore. The the EU, there is still no agreement on register their products by themselves aims to speed up the registration a uniform regulation of fees. Thus, within the EU. process and a mandatory mutual single member states still have the recognition are ambitious. This can competence to determine their own It is to be feared that single mem- improve the registration situation fees. As the fees can vary drastically ber states will be overwhelmed in the EU, as new and safer plant between member states, it is to be with applications to act as Z-RMS, protection products can be made assumed that applicants will make a whereas others will be avoided. This available to the market within a careful selection for a Z-RMS. implies the big risk, that applications shorter time period. In this respect will be handed over to an ”unpop- not only the applicants, but particu- Are there benefits for us? ular” Z-RMS. It is already appar- larly also the authorities are strongly First of all, the new regulation gen- ent that certain member states have challenged. erates higher costs for Andermatt by far more experience in assessing Biocontrol, as all product dossiers particularly biological plant protec- need to be adapted into a dRR. A fur- tion products than others, and there- ther complication is that the total costs fore the free selection of the Z-RMS is 14 for an approval inside an entire zone crucial for us. Workshop on the application strategies, markets and perspectives using baculoviruses in the Near and Middle East In 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 successfully on the market.

MATHIAS BAMERT, ANDERMATT BIOCONTROL

New markets in the Near and Mid- Especially in countries exporting agri- participants made valuable contribu- dle East cultural goods to Europe that need to tions. The participants were informed With the development of new mar- comply with statutory limits for pesti- about the positive properties of bacu- kets Andermatt Biocontrol is stead- cide residues, there is some potential loviruses as efficient plant protection ily expanding its global leadership for the use of baculoviruses. products and their application strat- in the area of baculoviruses. Thanks egies. Especially in countries of the to newly developed products such as Training is crucial for the successful Near and Middle East, difficult cli- HELICOVEX, SPEXIT and LITTOVIR use matic conditions, such as high tem- against agriculturally important insect The technical and application-specific peratures and strong solar radiation, pests, new markets outside Europe know-how regarding our baculovi- prevail. Interesting solutions for the can be opened. One region in which rus-products is demanding. Accord- use of our baculoviruses under these alternative plant protection products ingly, the training of our partners in conditions could be shown to the par- are becoming increasingly important the respective regions to a high level ticipants in a conducive interchange is the Near and Middle East. Existing of quality is very important. This prin- of experience. and potential partners from Egypt, ciple was applied at the workshop Further topics mutually discussed Morocco, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman in Dubai by means of an interactive included opportunities for sales and and Pakistan attended the workshop programme. During both days, there the related technical support of final (Picture 1). were lively discussions in which all customers in the respective local markets. 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 registration process.

Expression of appreciation We would like to thank the participants, 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.

CONCLUSION

Picture 1: Participants of the bauclovirus-workshop in Dubai (from left to right) The workshop can be considered a Front: complete success in all respects for all Dr. Diaa El Tonsi (Agrolink, Egypt) participants. Through this event, the Muhammad Altaf Shahid (Solex Chemicals Ltd., Pakistan) cooperation and personal relation- Mohamed Zouini (Arzak Seeds Trade, Morocco) Abdulkareem Rasheed (Rashed Establishment for Trading and Agriculture, Saudi Arabia) ship with our customers was further deepened. We were very pleased to Rear: see the commitment of our partners Mathias Bamert (Andermatt Biocontrol, Switzerland) Eyas Omar (Al Koroom Agr. & Trad. Est., Jordan) and are confident that the -work Mhammed Messoud (Les Conserves de Meknes, Morocco) shop motivated our distributors to Ahmad Raslan (Al Koroom Agr. & Trad. Est., Jordan) continue along these lines in order Hytham Tawfik (Widyan al Batina for Trading, Oman) to commence or proceed with the Shahid Sheikh (Acumen Agronomics Solutions, Pakistan) Philip Kessler (Andermatt Biocontrol, Switzerland) registration and marketing of our Mohamed Torky (Agrolink, Egypt) baculovirus-products. Iqbal Hassan (Solex Chemicals Ltd., Pakistan) 15 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.

JUDITH LADNER CALLIPARI, ANDERMATT BIOGARTEN

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. Picture 1: Garden pond: idyll and breeding ground for mosquitoes. A mosquito’s preference (Picture: Judith Ladner Callipari) Of the over 2 500 species of mosquitoes in the world, about 100 are indig- enous to Europe. They have different doors and windows and a mosquito stinging preferences: some sting mul- net over the bed may help. WHEN THE MOSQUITO tiple times in a row, others only once BECOMES A TIGER a day; some attack in the daytime, oth- Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing ers at night. water. The developing larvae can eas- According to the database “Deliver- The different species also have their ily be recognised by their twitching ing Alien Invasive Species Inventories similarities. For example, it is always movements just below the water’s sur- for Europe“ (DAISIE), the tiger mos- only the female that stings and it face. The infamous Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is among selects its victims according to a quito (see box) only requires a very the 100 worst invasive species in range of criteria. Mosquitoes like car- small body of water to complete its Europe. It originates from South bon dioxide, warmth, sweat, (floral) development. East Asia and was brought to south- perfumes and dark colours in combi- Owners of a garden biotope or those ern Europe through tiny water pud- nation with an individual cocktail of who do not want to be constantly cov- dles found in used tires or in “Lucky around 40 fragrances including lac- ering and uncovering their rain bar- bamboo“. From there it is spread- tic acid, fatty acids and amino acids. rels or who would like to leave smaller ing north. The Asian tiger mosquito Due to this cocktail, mosquitoes are puddles, can still prevent mosquitoes is already quite well established in attracted to some individuals more from reproducing in them. the canton of Ticino. Additionally, in than to others. According to a study If there are no natural enemies, such September 2011, there was news of by the institute IRD in Montpellier, as fish or dragon flies, mosquitoes the Asian tiger mosquito having been mosquitoes are also highly attracted can be controlled with another natu- seen in the canton of Aargau. to beer drinkers. Apparently, the mos- ral foe: Bacillus thuringiensis israelen quitoes have even “learned” that peo- sis (Bti) controls mosquitoes efficiently In spring 2011, a pan-European con- ple with beer on their breath are less and without any residues. Bti can be ference was held to define a com- likely to fight back. purchased in the form of practical bined control strategy against the SOLBAC-TABS. One tab is sufficient Asian tiger mosquito. The topic is Twitching larvae in stagnant water to treat 5 – 10 m2 of water surface; to particularly important, because this In areas with many lakes, swamps treat smaller puddles, the tabs can be type of mosquito can spread some and in floodplains it is impossible to broken into smaller pieces. Treatment very dangerous diseases such as escape the mosquitoes. In these areas, should be repeated every 10 – 14 days. Dengue, Chikungunya and the West it is recommended to wear light-col- Since SOLBAC-TABS are exclusively Nile Virus. oured, long-sleeved clothing, to avoid used to control the larvae of specific sweat and body odour. There are mosquitoes – and fungus gnats – they Bti products can also be used to con- many types of repellents, which are can also be used in fish ponds or in trol Asian tiger mosquito larvae and either directly applied to the skin or water with which pets may come in other exotic mosquito larvae in this used in candles, smoke coils etc. To contact. Now back to the peaceful part of the world. 16 protect your home, insect screens on enjoyment of an after work beer! Robust plant varieties for the organic garden Due 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-maintenance 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.

CHRISTA GERBER, ANDERMATT BIOGARTEN

In professional agriculture, the choice These are the types that are essential of cultivars is far more important than for competitive professional organic for the hobby gardener. For the home fruit-growing. The same varieties can grower, aesthetic aspects are usually also be successfully grown in the more important than resistance. On home garden. the other hand, disease tolerant or even resistant plants would be par- One example is the new scab resistant ticularly well suited for the occa- apple variety Galiwa. After 19 years sional gardener. The effort required of research, the research station Agro- for plant protection can be consider- scope Changins-Wädenswil (ACW) ably reduced and easier maintenance has finally found a sweet apple vari- will increase the plant owner’s enjoy- ety that is tolerant to apple scab. The ment of his garden. All in line with the majority of the cultivars currently Picture 1: Apple variety Galiwa adage that “prevention is better than available have been predominantly (Picture: Agroscope) spraying“. sour. Sweet varieties, such as the pop- ular Gala, which are preferred by most Many resistant varieties are already Swiss consumers, have been lacking. ASSORTMENT OF available for berries, vines and fruit ANDERMATT BIOGARTEN trees, which are tolerant to many of To this end the ACW breeder, Markus the common fungal diseases. Even for Kellerhals, began crossing scab resist- Andermatt Biogarten has a selec- roses, which are known to be sensi- ant cultivations with Gala during the tion of plants in its product range tive to many diseases, a small range 90s. In 2010, the successfully cross- that show low susceptibility to dis- of resistant cultivars derived from bred variety was launched under eases and are suited for the organic organic cultivation is readily avail- the name Galiwa. The apple’s name garden. Apart from a variety of able. These plants were specifically Galiwa gives reference to the parent roses, berries and vines, Andermatt selected for their lower susceptibility variety Gala and the breeding loca- Biogarten also offers the scab resist- to disease. tion Wädenswil. A good crop yield as ant apple variety Galiwa grafted well as good storage properties enable on M9. Come 2012, Andermatt For fruit-growing, the research stations Galiwa to fill a gap in organic fruit Biogarten will also be offering a vari- are continuously on the look-out for cultivation. ety of scab resistant organic column further resistant cultivars, which can apple trees. be grown in an eco-friendly manner.

Picture 2: Organic rose variety Pink Swany 17 Efficacy testing of THYMOVAR in Switzerland Andermatt BioVet conducts efficacy tests forTHYMOVAR on an annual cycle. For 2011, beekeepers 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.

ROMAN ERNI, ANDERMATT BIOVET

The test commenced with a total of behaviour was particularly observed developed varroa population due to 16 bee colonies. For the summer on THYMOVAR strips that had already the warm spring weather. treatment during recent years, only lost the majority of their thymol con- THYMOVAR was used. The bee- tent. There was no significant differ- On September 21st the second treat- keeper developed a special device ence between the number of varroa ment was completed and the strips for the use of THYMOVAR. It can be counted in hives with the device and of THYMOVAR were removed. Due easily fitted into the typical Swiss bee hives with unprotected THYMOVAR to the known delayed-action effect of hive. The study was designed to evalu- strips (Table 1). THYMOVAR, the final count of varroa ate the influence of this device on the mites was conducted on October 4th. efficacy ofTHYMOVAR. Hives No 1 and No 22, at the two The total count of varroa during the extremeties of the stand, showed the THYMOVAR treatment and the follow- The device consists of a wooden largest count of varroa mites. Both ing treatment with Oxalic acid build frame with a fine wire mesh attached colonies were created out of swarms the basis for the efficacy computation to the bottom (Picture 1). On the top, of the same stand in 2011. Since as a percentage.  the frame has a slit to facilitate clos- there was a broodless period after the ing with a sheet of acrylic glass. The swarming, one would have expected device was used on a total of eight rather small varroa counts. We con- colonies. THYMOVAR strips were laid sider the re-infestation to be an effect onto the wire mesh and the device of visiting bees as the main source of closed with acrylic glass, protecting the increased number of varroa mites 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 the strips from bees. In all the remain- in these colonies. A very close line- Complete colony [C], remaining colony S CS N CS Va N C S C C C C C C N S ing colonies THYMOVAR was placed up of colonies, as in the stand under after swarming [CS], nuke [N], swarm [S] directly on top of the hive frames. A observation, seems to promote the re- THYMOVAR inserted in wooden frame ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ wooden slat 3 cm thick was placed infestation by visiting bees more than 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 across the wire mesh frames and cov- commonly considered likely. ered with thin wooden boards leaving Colonies 1,17 and 18 showed counts an empty space of 3 cm height over of approx. 2 000 varroa mites. These 23/7/11 In the evening the frames (Picture 2). were colonies with neither swarms Insertion of wire mesh protected frames The THYMOVAR strips were left in nor offshoots during the year 2011. Count of Varroal 50 15 4 12 17 25 30 7 3 11 30 24 75 26 12 16 the hives for two three-week periods. Number of days of Varroa count 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 One week after removal, we inserted Colony No 8 was built using frames 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 another set of THYMOVAR strips for from different colonies during 2011. a second treatment. In the hives with The count of 1 900 Varroa is consid- 2/8/2011 direct access, some colonies began to ered to be relatively high for an off- Start of the 1st THYMOVAR treatment cover the strips with propolis, other shoot. In this case, varroa was intro- ½ colonies started to nibble and remove duced by including a covered brood Varroa count on frames plate parts of the THYMOVAR strips. This thus documenting the already well 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 3 weeks after start of the treatment, 23/8/2011 380 90 124 84 80 150 342 60 76 156 404 495 212 96 600 THYMOVAR removed, 23/8/2011 4 weeks after start of the treatment, 30/8/2011 220 170 120 126 96 194 180 27 112 146 273 174 120 112 520

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 3 weeks after start of the treatment, 20/9/2011 128 158 162 99 116 104 19 76 67 80 172 120 94 398 THYMOVAR removed, 21/9/2011 5 weeks after start of the treatment, 4/10/2011 126 185 188 242 152 140 40 104 32 122 144 164 94 436

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

18 Picture 1: Wooden frame Picture 2: THYMOVAR with 3 cm spacing Table 1: Survey table of infestation 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 ofTHYMOVAR.

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

In central Europe, a brood free period Varroa counts show the high efficacy ofTHYMOVAR (A final statement with from the end of November to the accurate percentage rates can only be made after the control treatment with beginning of December is observed. oxalic acid during the brood free period at the end of the year) The THYMOVAR treatment is completed with a control treatment using Do to re-infestation by visiting bees, all hives in a colony should be treated oxalic acid during the brood free simultaneously. Ideally neighbouring beekeepers should treat their colonies dur- period. Each of the colonies should ing the same period. enter the new season with a total count of less than 50 varroa mites. Steady high temperatures favoured the evaporation of Thymol during the treat- The treatment of the colonies with ment period of August and September 2011. OXUVAR or the VARROX vaporizer for Oxalic acid is therefore our choice Due to the good tolerance of THYMOVAR, vitality of the bee colonies was not for the control treatment during the negatively influenced during the test brood free period.

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 S CS N CS Va N C S C C C C C C N S after swarming [CS], nuke [N], swarm [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 evening Insertion 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

2/8/2011 Start of the 1st THYMOVAR treatment ½ Varroa count on frames plate 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 3 weeks after start of the treatment, 23/8/2011 380 90 124 84 80 150 342 60 76 156 404 495 212 96 600 THYMOVAR removed, 23/8/2011 4 weeks after start of the treatment, 30/8/2011 220 170 120 126 96 194 180 27 112 146 273 174 120 112 520

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

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

Table 1: Survey table of infestation 19 Maggot Debridement Therapy – A standard benefit of the Swiss health insurance scheme since July 1st, 2011 Chronic 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.

URS FANGER, ENTOMOS

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 marketing 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- Picture 2: Packaged product tory basic health insurance scheme. Experts of the FOPH examined the method for effectiveness, appropriate- ness and efficiency. In Summer 2011, Groups-System (Swiss DRG) along care professionals made use of thera- the Swiss Federal Council decided to with the associated new financing pies which were covered by the com- include maggot debridement therapy of hospital treatment. Some hospi- pulsory health insurance unless the for treatment of chronic wounds in the tals have already adopted the Swiss patient explicitly requested maggot Regulation of Health Insurance Ben- DRG system for in-patients. There- debridement therapy and was willing efits. As a result, the therapy is now fore, maggot debridement therapy is to pay for it out of his own pocket. financed by health insurers. already invoiced at a flat rate along Due to the availability of reimburse- with many other benefits. However, ment by the health insurance funds, Opportunity especially for out- the obligatory inclusion of the mag- home care nursing services, wound patients got debridement therapy in the basic ambulatories as well as general prac- On January 1st, 2012, Switzerland will insurance has made a great change for titioners can use this cost-efficient introduce the new Diagnosis Related out-patients. Until now, ambulatory method more frequently.

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