Comparison of exclosure and methiocarb for protecting sweet cherries from birds, and the effect of washing on residues

Abstract

Abstract A repellent (methiocarb: 4-(methylthio)-3, 5-xylyl N-methylcarbamate) and a wire netting exclosure were compared for protecting sweet cherries (Prunus aviurn) from birds, especially mynas (Acridotheres tristis), starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), blackbirds (Turdus merula), and song thrushes (Turdus philornelos). Unsprayed trees lost 80% of fruit, sprayed trees 10%, and a sprayed enclosed tree 2%. Even though birds still destroyed 10% of fruit each year when methiocarb was used, spraying gave better financial returns over a 12 year repayment period than an exclosure. Methiocarb residues on the fruit were reduced by 50% to within Agricultural Chemicals Board limits of 7 ppm after washing in water and by 66% after washing in diluted detergent.