Pesticide Roundup

Intrepid Insecticide Approved, Offers Broad-Spectrum Control of Worms
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued a supplemental product label for Intrepid 2F insecticide to include control of beet armyworms in peanuts. The special labeling allows growers to apply Intrepid 2F when the first signs of feeding damage appear or when the pests exceed threshold levels. The supplemental label gives growers an additional, cost-effective treatment for beet armyworm control.

“Beet armyworms are sporadic pests that feed on peanut foliage and are often difficult to control,” says Tom Linnen, Intrepid marketing specialist, Dow AgroSciences. “Intrepid 2F allows growers to target these armyworms without flaring populations of mites or aphids, which are major peanut pests.”

Across a multitude of crops, Intrepid has been an effective tool against a broad spectrum of lepidopteran insects, such as beet armyworm, yellowstriped armyworm, saltmarsh caterpillar, soybean looper and fall armyworm. And, unlike many other products, Intrepid insecticide does not affect populations of beneficial insects, mites or pollinators — making it ideal for Integrated Pest Management programs.

“Many producers use pyrethroids for late-season insect control, but Intrepid will offer growers a unique residual formulation that provides control for seven to 10 days or longer,” says Mitch Binnarr, sales representative for Dow AgroSciences. “Intrepid 2F offers economical, consistent control of a broad spectrum of worms, including beet armyworms.”

In peanuts, Intrepid 2F should be applied at a minimum rate of 10 gallons per acre by using conventional ground application equipment. Guidelines call for proper equipment calibration to ensure uniform coverage of infested areas. Growers can make up to three applications of Intrepid 2F per calendar year, with a re-treatment interval of seven days.

“Application of Intrepid 2F will give growers peace of mind that comes from having residual control of late-season worm pests on treated foliage,” Binnarr says. “Intrepid 2F offers excellent efficacy over the entire season, while treating beneficials kindly.”

For more information, go to www.Intrepid2F.com or visit your local retailer.

Weed Society Warns Glyphosate Resistance Increasing
Glyphosate is widely used to control a broad array of weeds in agriculture, forestry, orchards, rights-of-way and around the home. It is an especially effective and simple weed management tool for agricultural crops that can tolerate the herbicide. However, widespread, repeated and often its sole use for weed management has selected weeds that have become glyphosate-resistant and are, thus, not controlled by this herbicide.

The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) promotes the responsible use of a variety of weed control measures and cautions against following a single approach to weed management, which can result in resistant weeds.

Glyphosate became a prominent herbicide in agriculture about 12 years ago, when glyphosate-resistance genes were inserted into crops using biotechnology. Now, glyphosate-resistant corn, cotton, soybeans, canola and sugarbeets are common. Glyphosate thus became the dominant weed control method on many farms and quickly replaced other weed-fighting tools and tactics.

“Glyphosate’s effectiveness as a broad-spectrum herbicide left many growers relying on it frequently and even exclusively to control weeds,” says Chris Boerboom, University of Wisconsin Extension weed scientist and WSSA member. “Unfortunately, once a naturally resistant weed appears in the field, it can escape and multiply into a serious problem.

“Over the past several years, the list of glyphosate-resistant weeds has grown to nine species across at least 20 states. Farmers are being challenged to control glyphosate-resistant weeds like Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) and giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) in certain crops. We urgently need to slow the development of resistance before glyphosate’s value to farmers is diminished.

“The Weed Science Society of America encourages farmers to continue using a diverse set of tools to manage weeds. These tools include using different herbicides that can control these weeds, along with nonchemical weed control measures, in rotation or combination with glyphosate,” says Boerboom.
The overall effect of weeds and invasive plants on the nation’s agriculture, water quality, wildlife and recreation have been estimated to cost the United States $34.7 billion annually, according to a recent Cornell University report.

For more information about glyphosate resistance, contact Lee VanWychen, WSSA director of science policy, at 202-746-4686 or visit www.wssa.net.

Products that contain glyphosate or a glyphosate solution include Roundup, Touchdown, Buccaneer and Durango. Always read and follow label directions.

PG