USE OF AGRY-GENT (GENTAMICIN SULFATE) AS A CONTROL MATERIAL FOR FIRE BLIGHT OF APPLE IN THE U.S.

Efficacy trials for evaluating gentamicin sulfate against Erwinia amylovora were performed at three different sites in the U.S. in 1997: Cornell University, Michigan State University and Washington State University at Wenatchee.
Gentamicin at 120-150 ppm performed comparably to streptomycin at 100 ppm and streptomycin-oxytetracycline combinations with 100 ppm of each compound used in combination.
Gentamicin also performed well against populations of Erwinia amylovora that were resistant to streptomycin at field rates (L. Pusey, Washington State University).

Residue trials performed on apples and pears indicated no detectable residues at levels of detection of <0.03 ppm.
Toxicity studies on Northern bobwhite quail indicated no mortality at doses up to 5620 ppm.
Studies on acute toxicity to bees indicated no harmful effects.
No phytotoxicity was seen.

Quimica Agronomica de Mexico, Chihuahua, Mexico is currently seeking registration of gentamicin with the US Environmental Protection Agency as a control agent for fire blight of apple and pear.
Use patterns are intended for blossom-phase application only.

Gentamicin is currently formulated as a control material in combination with oxytetracycline, commercially trade named Bactrol.
Bactrol is currently registered for control of bacterial diseases of tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and pome fruits in Central and South America, with many registrations pending world-wide.

VIII International Workshop on Fire Blight

R.A. Spitko, M. Alvarado

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1999.489.111