Seacide

Seacide is a fish oil concentrate produced by Omega Protein and sold by Superior Soils.

Concerns:

We had a question about allergens in the fish oil.  The EPA no longer gives tolerance exempt status to sprays from allergy-causing foods such as peanuts, milk, and fish.  In response to this question, Jim Braasch, the Manager of Agronomy Products at Omega Protein, Inc., sent this by email to Devin Carroll on 10-9-2007:

  "In reference to the EPA tolerance issue, this is primarily for fish meal, soy meal, etc.  The fish oil we use in SeaCide is a food grade refined oil manufactured out of our Reedville, VA oil refinery.  There is virtually no proteins which is the concern of allergens in the SeaCide."   See also this attachment.

Seacide is made from Menhaden fish taken from near the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of United States.  There have been allegations that Omega Protein is overfishing this species, which is a key part of the ecosytems of the ocean and estuaries such as Chesapeake Bay.

  Jim Braasch sent us a defense of the fishing practices of Omega Protein.

Efficacy and plant safety:

Trials by Bio Ag Services:

2007

              June 11-18, applied 1% Seacide, 1000-1200 gallons, to Lane Late Navels, at night.  Weather reached above 100 F.  Good control of Citricola scale.  No visible harm to trees.

              June 11-18, applied .5% Seacide, 1000-1200 gallons, to Early Beck Navels, at night.  Weather reached above 100F.  Good control of Citricola scale except where coverage was not good.  Also noticed some dead cotton aphids.

              About August 7, applied 1% Seacide again to both blocks.  On the Lane Lates, the second application was probably not necessary.  Not many Citricola were surviving.  On the Early Becks, which earlier had only .5% Seacide, Citricola were abundant on some leaves.  Again, Seacide did a good job of control.

Wine grapes in Dinuba: Seacide applied at 1% in 100 gallons killed most vine mealybugs exposed on leaves and surface of bunches.  We noticed no damage to foliage.  Berries had deposit that was unsuitable for table grapes, but probably OK for raisins and most wine grapes.   Application was repeated in late August.

Devin Carroll