2014 fruit insecticide registration update

Summary of insecticide and miticide label additions, clarifications and corrections to the 2014 MSU Fruit Management Guide (E-154).

Posted on April 1, 2014 by John Wise, Rufus Isaacs and Larry Gut, Michigan State University Extension, Department of Entomology

Below is a review of insecticides and miticide label changes and restrictions to the Michigan State University Extension Bulletin E-154, “2014 Michigan Fruit Management Guide.” Agri-chemical labels and regulations can change quickly, so use this information within the context of each compound’s legal label.

Insecticide 2014 label additions, clarifications and corrections

New insecticide label information for compounds listed in 2014 E-154

MSU Fruit Management Guide E-154 product numbers are in parenthesis ().

Apta (tolfenpyrad) is a new insec­ticide belonging to a class called Mitochondrial Complex I Electron Transport Inhibitors (METI), which work by inhibiting cellular respiration in the mitochondria. Apta is registered in stone fruits for control of a range of pests including leafrollers, leafhoppers, plum curculio, Rhagoletis and Drosophila fruit flies (suppression of spotted wing Drosophila). The maximum yearly amount of Apta that can be applied is 54 fluid ounces in stone fruits with a 14-day pre-harvest interval (PHI).

Closer (8) (sufloxaflor) belongs to a new class of insec­ticides called the sulfloximines, which exhibit interactions with the insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors that are distinct from those observed with neonicotinoids. Closer is registered in pome fruits, stone fruits and grapes for control of several sap-feeding insects, including aphids, leafhoppers and mealybugs. Closer displays translaminar movement when applied to foliage and is xylem mobile. It has shown to be relatively safe on many beneficials. The maximum yearly amount of Closer SC that can be applied is 17 ounces in pome fruits, stone fruits or grapes per season.

Exirel (2) (cyazypyr) belongs to the Diamide class of insecticides, which work on the insect by activating ryanodine receptors, thus depleting internal calcium and preventing muscle contraction. Exirel is now registered in pome and stone fruits, grapes and blueberries. Labeled uses are expected for a range of pests including leafrollers, codling moth, oriental fruit moth, grape berry moth, fruitworms, Rhagoletis and Drosophila fruit flies, aphids and leaf-feeding beetles.

Malathion 8F (13) (dymethyl dithiophosphate) is an organophosphate insecticide labeled for use in most fruit crops and has relatively short residual activity. It is active on a wide range of insect pests and has lower human toxicity than many other organophosphates. New commercial product will include a reduced legal rate of 1.25 pints per acre for use in blueberries with a maximum of three applications per year and a five-day interval between sprays. Older product that lists the rate of 1.5-2.5 pints per acre can still be legally used.

A 24C application has been approved through 2017 for blueberries to increase the application rate to 2.5 pints per acre and two applications per season (total of 5 pounds AI) with a seven-day interval between sprays. On caneberries, this insecticide now has a maximum rate of 2 pints per acre and a minimum of seven days between treatments. A 24C application has been approved for caneberries through 2017 with an application rate of 2 pints per acre and four applications per season, and a minimum of seven days between treatments.

Calypso (62) (thiacloprid) is registered for use in pome and stone fruits with a maximum yearly allowable amount of 16 ounces on pome fruits and 12 ounces on stone fruits. Bayer CropScience has notified EPA of a voluntary cancellation of the Calypso insecticide registration, including the technical registration of thiacloprid. This decision has to do with EPA’s registration review process and the new water model, adopted by EPA in early 2013. Bayer CropScience will notify the states and request that Calypso be allowed for use through the existing stocks provision. Bayer CropScience will plan to maintain the state registrations through 2016.

Imidan 70W (9) (phosmet) is an organophosphate insecticide labeled for use in many fruit crops, including tart cherries. It is phytotoxic on sweet cherries. It provides good broad-spectrum control of many fruit pests in Michigan. To prevent premature product breakdown from alkaline hydrolysis, spray-tank water should be buffered to a pH of 5.0-5.5. The maximum yearly allowable amount of Imidan 70 WP per acre is 22.125 pounds on apples; 16 pounds on pears; 17 pounds on peaches; 13 pounds on plums and prunes; 6.5 pounds on grapes; 7.125 pounds (5 apps) on blueberries; 15.6 pounds on cranberries; and 7.5 pounds on tart cherries. A 24C application is pending, but expected in May 2013, which proposes for tart cherry to increase the application rate to 2.5 pounds per acre.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.cnchemicals.com/. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://www.cnchemicals.com/, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).