CHERRY BULLETIN

EFFECTIVE BIRD CONTROL FOR CHERRIES

Third in a series of 7 efficacy field trials conducted under the auspices of Washington State University, two 2+ acre blocks of Bing Cherries were used to compare the production of an untreated orchard and a BIRD SHIELD® repellent treated orchard with the average production in the state. The two orchards were approximately 1/4 mile apart along the Columbia River near Wenatchee, Washington. Prior to the month long trial, both orchards were examined for bird damage. None were noted. BIRD SHIELD® repellent was applied at a 1% rate (1 gallon of BIRD SHIELD® with 99 gallons of water) with a tractor drawn fan sprayer three times at 7 day intervals beginning when the fruit began to turn pink before the birds began feeding on it. Contract pickers were employed to harvest the crop 7 days after the last application with instructions to clean each tree. No residue taste of the repellent was detected. All of the fruit was weighed and subsamples removed for grading by Washington State and U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors. The untreated block at the WSU Research and Extension Center in Wenatchee, Washington, even though heavily damaged by birds, produced approximately 4,000 lbs. more fruit than the state average. The repellent treated orchard produced approximately 16,000 lbs of fruit per acre, 10,000 lbs/acre greater than the state average and 6,000 lbs/acre more than the comparable untreated block at the research facility.



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN I CAN HARVEST THE CROP?
Generally the crop is ready to be harvested six to eight days after the last application, however, sunlight and temperature can effect BIRD SHIELD®'s longevity and more time may be needed before all taste and odor cannot be detected prior to harvest.

CAN BIRD SHIELD® BE WASHED OFF?
BIRD SHIELD® is rain fast and is gradually broken down by sunlight and air movement.

HOW MUCH DO I USE?
The effective application rate for apples is 1 pint of BIRD SHIELD® with 5 gallons of water to 1/2 gallon of BIRD SHIELD® with 99 gallons of water depending on foliage density and application equipment. Re-apply every six to eight days if birds return to the crop. See label for specific application instructions. Label and MSDS can be found on BIRD SHIELD® 's website.

CAN BIRD SHIELD® BE APPLIED WITH OTHER AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS?
BIRD SHIELD® may be mixed with EPA approved bacillus, insecticides and fungicides. Check for compatibility and refer to individual product labels prior to use. Do not add surfactants, stickers or spreaders to the BIRD SHIELD® tank mix.

HOW DO I USE BIRD SHIELD®?
BIRD SHIELD® works best when applied to crops early in the morning or late in the afternoon when temperatures are lowest and winds are calm. Extremely hard water that contains high amounts of iron and calcium can affect the tank solution so compatibility tests are suggested prior to tank mixing.



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