association comment Pest and disease control set to drive growth
Aſter one of the wettest winters in recent memory, with widespread flooding and largely mild temperatures, conditions have been ripe for plant pests and diseases to overwinter. Demand for pest and disease controls is expected to be high, with GIMAmembers unveiling their latest solutions to drive sales this spring.
Slugs have consistently been ranked as one of the UK’s most problematic garden pests in surveys, and withdrawal of the chemical ingredient metaldehyde last summer will leave consumers seeking alternative mollusc controls. Westland describes its Growing Success Organic Slug Pellets as a “revolution in slug damage prevention”. It says the organic product performs in wet and dry conditions and protects surrounding plants, as well as plants that have been directly treated. It also contains slow-release fertilisers which boost plant health.
Westland has developed two new 2-in-1 ‘Feed and Protect’ products: Rose Feed & Protect and Buxus Feed & Protect, which support plant health from the inside out. Comprising two bottles, the first contains concentrated feed for greener foliage and more vibrant flowers; the second is a protection concentrate to help deter disease. Westland marketing director, Keith Nicholson, said: “Gardeners are increasingly looking for natural, time-saving products that will enhance their plants and increase their overall enjoyment of the garden, and these new products are helping to deliver on that.” Another key player in the buoyant natural pest and disease control sector is ecofective, which is targeting its Bug + Mildew Control at consumers who are keen to avoid synthetic chemicals. Nigel Thompson, head of sales at ecofective, said: “Bug + Mildew Control’s pesticide-free technology not only offers fast- acting control of pests such as aphids, blackfly and red spider mite, but its three-in-one formulation controls powdery mildew and provides ornamental and edible plants with nutrients for healthy growth.”
ecofective says its new Ferrimax Slug Killer, which is approved for organic growing and is based on the natural active ingredient ferric phosphate, offers maximum protection against slugs all year-round. With roses remaining one of the nation’s favourite flowers, ecofective is gearing-up to meet strong demand for its Rose Defender, which rapidly controls common pests such as blackfly while adding nutrients for vibrant, healthy roses. Rose Defender is safe to use around children, pets and bees, meeting key demands from consumers.
Evergreen Garden Care is also focused on rose care, encouraging early treatment of plants to prevent pests and diseases taking hold. Evergreen Garden Care’s controls category manager, Janne Hansen, said: “RoseClear is a three-in-one product that’s easy to use and time saving. Designed for people who are looking for high-quality multi-purpose products that deliver fast and effective results for roses and ornamental plants, RoseClear works by killing pests, treating disease and actively preventing future pest attacks.” Hozelock is throwing the spotlight on its BioMix as an eco-friendly solution to protect plants from pests and diseases. A Hozelock spokeswoman explained: “Gardeners can harness the power of nature by making solutions from lavender and ivy grown in their gardens, which can be used to repel aphids, ants, whitefly and red spider mite. By working with nature, gardeners are able to reduce consumption of single-use plastic, whilst effectively protecting their plants, creating a sustainable and economical solution.” BioMix can also be used to produce home- made, nutrient-rich liquid feed from plants such as nettles and comfrey. Healthy plants grown in this way are naturally more resistant
to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
At DLF Seeds, owner of the Johnsons Lawn Seed brand and the new UK distributor for Neudorff’s portfolio of natural gardening products, consumer manager Guy Jenkins is highlighting the German pioneer’s 2020 line- up, aimed at eco-friendly consumers. Guy said: “Since entering the UK market in 2012, Neudorff has established a loyal following among consumers who are seeking fertilisers, weedkillers and pest controls that are kinder to the planet. With the naturals category poised for growth this season, we are experiencing healthy demand for Neudorff’s latest lines such as BugFree Bug and Larvae Killer, which is based on natural pyrethrins and is neonicotinoid-free.
“Consumers are consistently seeking humane solutions to the perennial problem of cat fouling gardens, and Neudorff’s Super Strength Cat Repellent, based on garlic oil encapsulated in clay-based mineral granules, fits the bill perfectly, while Sluggo Slug & Snail Killer harnesses the power of iron-III phosphate to offer effective control of molluscs.” With seeds forming key sales drivers this season, GIMA members have unveiled their latest innovation. G Plants’ Adele Hewitt explains: “The new Bee Friends ECO BOX seed shakers with video stands are proving to be a success as they are rolled out at garden centres. They are available in double or single wooden display units, in colour-coded designs for maximum impact instore.
“Shake n Rake seed shakers create a wildlife- attracting flower display in three easy steps, helping to increase pollinator numbers throughout the country.” New for 2020 from Taylors Bulbs are themed
Mexican, Indian and Italian Grow Your Own Starter kits. Containing terracotta pots, compost and three varieties of seeds, kits enable consumers to grow fresh ingredients. Ian Clark, business manager at Taylors Bulbs, said: “With attractive artwork, these kits make perfect gifts for both foodies and gardeners alike.”
• For further information please contact GIMA on (01959) 564947 or
info@gima.org.uk
GCU Spring 2020
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