THE USE OF AKACID® ON HAZELNUT PLANTATIONS

“Akacid” is a modern biocide and disinfectant produced in Austria, which has already been established in numerous applications. It is a macromolecular, cationic polymer, which is produced in a special patented and highly developed polymerisation process. “Akacid” is non-toxic for higher life forms (humans and mammals in general). Due to its great efficiency against all kinds of bacteria, viruses and fungi, it is used for the disinfection of clinical areas. On account of these favourable properties the idea emerged to adopt this substance as a plant protectant, especially for hazelnuts. The company “VitroPlant” started a series of different tests with “Akacid” focusing on plant compatibility, and the fungicidal, antibacterial and insecticidal effects of this agent. Greenhouse tests with different agricultural and ornamental plants showed good plant compatibility. Tests in the lab demonstrated good results on bacteria and fungi such as: Pseudomonas, Aspergillus, Rhizoctonia solani, Botrytis cinerea, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum or Fusarium oxysporum. It was also possible to prove high efficiency against Tyrophagus mites and spider mites in laboratory and greenhouse tests. Current field tests are being carried out on hazelnuts, where “Akacid” is used as a preventive against bacteria and fungi. As “Akacid” showed very good results against Mycosphaerella fijiensis, it might also be effective against Eastern Filbert Blight, which has a similar development. Thanks to these results, research and cooperation with colleagues from the USA could be very interesting and promising.