How to dilute Fitoverm for Colorado potato beetles and instructions for use

How to properly dilute Fitoverm for treating potatoes against Colorado potato beetles? This biological insecticide has the same effect as chemical preparations. It was first used in the 1990s and has recently gained popularity among gardeners. The active ingredient is derived from fungal metabolites, but precautions must be taken when using it.

Composition and release form of Fitoverm

Fitoverm consists of an extract of the metabolic products of the fungus Streptomyces avermitilis, the active ingredient being avermectin C. The product is available in 2 ml, 4 ml, and 5 ml ampoules. It is also available in 10 ml, 25 ml, 50 ml, 100 ml, 200 ml, and 500 ml plastic containers, as well as 5 liter canisters for industrial applications.

The insecticide is primarily produced in Russia. The manufacturer offers a variety of formulations, including small quantities for gardeners and large quantities for farmers and industrial crop growers.

Description of the insecticide

This biological insecticide is less toxic to the environment and humans than other chemicals. Its effect is enhanced by exposure to high temperatures. Fitoverm does not accumulate in plant roots and leaves, therefore affecting only adult insects living on the leaf surface. Insects that burrow into potato stems and roots are not killed.

To use the medication, dilute it with water, observing all safety precautions and following the instructions. Instructions are provided on the back of the package.

Purpose and chemical composition

Insecticide is used to destroy harmful insects, which include:

• Colorado beetle;
• stem nematodes;
• leaf rollers;
• cabbage caterpillars;
• spider mites;
• aphids of all types;
• thrips;
• white butterflies;
• mealybugs.

Fitoverm is a single-component product. It contains avermectin C. The active ingredient is obtained using fungal metabolic products. Therefore, the product is classified as a biological product.

Mechanism of action on insects

After spraying, the active ingredient lingers on the surface of stems and leaves. Harmful insects consume the plant and come into contact with it. Aversectin C enters the insect's body through contact and through food. It affects the nervous system, hindering the beetles' ability to feed, and they slowly die.

How to prepare a working solution for treating bushes

Preparation of the working solution of Fitoverm is carried out as follows:

• Prepare a plastic container of the required volume for the working solution in advance.
• Pour 1 liter of water into a container.
• Pour in 10 ml of Fitoverm.
• Stir the solution with a wooden or glass rod.
• Add another 9 liters of water.
• Spraying begins.

Important! After treatment, all utensils that came into contact with the solution must be thoroughly washed with soap.

How to enhance the protection effect

To enhance the effect of Fitoverm, apply the product in hot, dry weather. Exposure to direct sunlight prevents the active ingredient from breaking down, but rather enhances its effectiveness.

The insecticide doesn't have an adhesive that would allow it to adhere to leaves for long. Therefore, to enhance the effect and prolong its duration, it's necessary to prepare a working solution with soapy water. Laundry soap is suitable for spraying. Dissolve one 200g bar of soap in 10 liters of water.

Instructions for use

To properly use the Colorado potato beetle control product, you must follow the instructions for use.

Consumption rate

Each crop has its own application rate. This is indicated in the instructions on the back of the package. For treating potatoes, use 10 liters of the working solution per 100 square meters of land. For treating 200 square meters or more of land, you must purchase the required number of ampoules in advance.

Rules for processing potatoes

When cultivating a potato field, certain rules must be followed:

• Spraying is carried out in hot, dry weather.
• Treatment after rain or the day before significantly reduces the effect of Fitoverm.
• When spraying, make sure there are no other people or pets nearby.
• During the season, treatment is carried out 2-4 times, depending on the ripening time of the potatoes.
• Repeat treatment is carried out when a new attack of the Colorado potato beetle is noticed.
• When spraying, take precautions.
• The working solution should not be used to water the plant roots, as this will not have any effect and will only harm the plant.
• The prepared working solution of Fitoverm must be used within 24 hours, otherwise it will become unusable.
• Be sure to use a product with a good expiration date. After the expiration date, the solution loses its effectiveness.

When to expect results

Colorado potato beetles don't die immediately after spraying. Aversectin C takes effect 7-8 hours after ingestion. They die within 2-3 days. The active ingredient affects the beetle's nervous system, making it difficult for them to feed. The insects die of starvation.

Important! For strong and mature individuals, the effect of Fitoverm may take 7-8 days..

Frequency of treatments

Fitoverm's effect lasts for 10-15 days. After the effect wears off, Colorado potato beetle attacks may resume, as the insect's larvae and eggs are not killed. To prevent this, it is recommended to spray the bushes every two weeks until the foliage begins to dry out.

Chemical toxicity: precautions

Although Fitoverm is a biological product, precautions must be taken. Skin or mucous membrane contact with the concentrate can cause burns, while ingestion or ingestion through mucous membranes can cause poisoning. Precautions when spraying:

• When preparing the working solution, use gloves and a protective mask.
• When spraying, wear knee-length rubber boots.
• The hair is tied into a bun and a headscarf is put on.
• To protect the respiratory tract, use a respirator or protective mask.
• Be sure to wear disposable rubber gloves on your hands.
• To protect clothing, use a rubber or cellophane apron.
• When spraying, make sure there are no pets, other people or small children nearby.
• Eating and smoking while preparing and using Fitoverm is prohibited.

When ingested, it causes the following symptoms:

• dizziness;
• nausea;
• vomit;
• irritable bowel syndrome;
• stomach ache;
• redness and itching of the skin.

Important! If signs of poisoning appear, induce vomiting, drink plenty of water, and take activated charcoal.

If Fitoverm comes into contact with skin, wash the affected area with plenty of soap and water. If it gets into the eye, rinse with water and saline solution.

Compatibility with other drugs

The product is compatible with other products. However, its effectiveness is completely reduced when mixed with alkaline solutions. This should be taken into account when choosing a combination for Fitoverm. It can be combined with:

• mineral fertilizers;
• root formation stimulants;
• growth stimulants;
• herbicides;
• other insecticides.
• fungicides.

Duration and storage rules

The medication has a shelf life of two years from the date of manufacture. After this period, it must be discarded. To do this, open the ampoule and pour it down the drain. Store the ampoule in a dark, dry place at a temperature of -30°C to +25°C. Keep the ampoules away from children, food, medications, and animal feed.

Fitoverm analogues

Fitoverm has similar products with the same active ingredient, but also with an improved biological formula or in combination with other substances. These include:

• "Akarin";
• "Avertin";
• "Aktofit";
• "Agrovertin";
• "Kleschevit";
• "Actellic";
• "Aktara";
• Iskra Bio;
• "Arrivo";
• Apaches;
• "Bi - 582;
• Confidor.

Reviews of the product from vegetable growers

Petr, 39, Kazan: "I grow a lot of potatoes. I live in a private homestead, and we have children, dogs, cats, and other animals on our property all the time. I decided to treat the potatoes for Colorado potato beetles with the biological product Fitoverm. I diluted the solution according to the instructions and applied it. The beetles remained on the leaves for two more days. I thought it hadn't worked, but later I noticed they had disappeared. I was satisfied with the insecticide. I sprayed three times during the season."

Svetlana, 67, Izhevsk: "Every year I treat my potatoes for Colorado potato beetles with a chemical insecticide. This year I decided to try the biological compound Fitoverm. I followed the instructions for application and dilution. I used two 5 ml ampoules per 10 liters of water. The beetles remained on the leaves for two more days, then disappeared. Two weeks later, they reappeared, so I re-sprayed. I'm happy with the product."

Galina, 54, Irkutsk: "Every year I actively fight Colorado potato beetles on my potatoes. I've tried picking them by hand, treating them with various pesticides, and even using folk remedies. I wanted to try Fitoverm, as I'd heard it was low toxic. I bought a 100 ml bottle. I used 30 ml of the solution on 300 square meters of potatoes. The beetles proved resistant to the solution and continued to nibble on the leaves for another 7 days after the first treatment. I then applied two more treatments, and the Colorado beetles disappeared. Next year I'll buy something more effective."