Dow AgroSciences has received Section 18 emergency use exemptions from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Transform WG insecticide in select states for the 2017 production season.
States receiving a Section 18 exemption for plant bug management in cotton include Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas.
States receiving a Section 18 exemption for control of sugarcane aphid in sorghum include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.
Effective weapon against tarnished plant bug
“Plant bug is no longer considered a ‘secondary pest’ in the Mississippi Delta,” says Mississippi grower Mike Sturdivant. “Plant bug presents a major threat to our cotton fields. We first tried Transform in 2012 because of a dwindling arsenal of available products to effectively control plant bug. There are so many advantages to using Transform. Not only do we get great control, but we also benefit from the longer residual Transform offers, which means we aren’t spraying nearly as often.”
Sturdivant is a fifth-generation Mississippi grower who, with his two brothers, operates Due West Farms, a 12,000-acre cotton, corn and soybean operation near Glendora, MS.
“Transform is a critical tool for us in our efforts to minimize insecticide resistance,” Sturdivant says. “We never rely on only one product. We are diligent about alternating chemistries, and, without Transform, it would be next to impossible to effectively manage insecticide resistance. Without this option, we would be much closer to confronting huge resistance issues.”
The Section 18 emergency use exemptions are also welcome news to Angus Catchot, Extension entomologist, Mississippi State University.
“Over the years, we’ve noticed traditional insecticides, including neonicotinoids and pyrethroids, have declined in efficacy,” says Catchot. “When Transform became available, Mid-South cotton growers finally had a new chemistry they could rely on to effectively control plant bug. Back-to-back applications of Transform, both pre- and post-bloom, are very effective, and Transform doesn’t flare pests such as spider mites.”
“Since its introduction, Transform has effectively reduced overall plant bug populations while providing significant yield increases. It is a product cotton producers need, and we are glad to have it back for the 2017 season.”
Sugarcane aphid continues march into sorghum fields
Sugarcane aphid first appeared in sorghum in 2013, mostly in Texas and Louisiana. However, in recent years, sugarcane aphid has continued to move farther north and west into other states. The sap-feeding pest consumes sorghum leaves, causing the foliage to turn purple and yellow, and ultimately reduce yield. Sugarcane aphid also produces a sticky honeydew substance, creating reduced harvest efficiency and clogged combines.
“The proliferation of sugarcane aphid happens very quickly, so it is critical for growers to scout early and often,” says Robert Bowling, AgriLife Extension entomology specialist at Texas A&M. “Applying Transform early minimizes populations and diminishes the rate by which sugarcane aphid multiplies. Because of a unique chemistry, Transform insecticide provides growers with an effective resistance management tool.”
Click here to see more...