Improving the persistence of a formulation of the avian repellent cinnamamide, for the protection of autumn-sown oilseed rape.

ABSTRACT

In a previous pilot field trial on autumn-sown oilseed rape (Brassica napus L), a suspension concentrate formulation of the avian repellent cinnamamide, using Acronal 4D (50 g litre(-1)) as the sticker, was shown to reduce damage by woodpigeons (Columba palumbus L). However, the persistence of cinnamamide on rape leaves was poor. This paper describes the development of a weather-resistant formulation by the inclusion of a more effective sticker. In vitro studies were used to investigate wash-off of cinnamamide, which was identified as being the major mechanism of loss in the field. Rainfastness of cinnamamide was assessed by washing deposits on glass slides and rape leaves using a 'rain-washing machine'. A number of stickers were evaluated and the effect of sticker concentration, ageing of deposits, freezing and intermittent washing on rain-fastness was investigated. None of the candidate stickers showed increased rainfastness compared to Acronal 4D. However, two of the stickers, Crovol T40 G and Emoleo L1, when combined with Acronal 4D in small amounts, did reduce wash-off compared with Acronal 4D alone. Freezing led to an increase in wash-off of cinnamamide, but inclusion of Emoleo L1 with Acronal 4D reduced this effect. Increasing the concentration of the sticker was also shown to improve the rainfastness; doubling the concentration of Acronal from 50 to 100 g litre(-1) halved the wash-off of cinnamamide.