The EPA has granted registration for a new insecticide developed by Syngenta Crop Protecion. Voliam Flexi insecticide is a water-dispersible granule and approved for use on a variety of crops including potatoes.
This broad-spectrum, foliar-applied insecticide controls key lepidopteran, sucking and chewing insect pests.
Voliam Flexi features two modes of action: chlorantraniliprole (CTPR) which is a new mode of action from the diamide family of insecticides and thiamethoxam, a member of the neonicotinoid class of chemistry. Voliam Xpress is expected to be registered for potatoes in the future, so stay tuned to the announcement from Syngenta and Potato Grower magazine.
WHY VOLIAM FLEXI
The two active ingredients are combined in this enhanced solution to deliver broad spectrum control of damaging insect pests in potatoes such as aphids, beet armyworms, cabbage loopers, Colorado potato beetles, European corn borers, flea beetles and potato leafhoppers.
John Koenig, Syngenta insecticide brand manager, states that different pest populations will often overlap crops.
Growers will be able to maximize pest control opportunities with one product as Voliam Flexi provides flexibility with excellent efficacy and residual activity.
The broad-spectrum control of this application is a good replacement for organophosphate (OP) and carbamate insecticides.
Application methods include ground and aerial applications. It is recommended that when applying Voliam Flexi sufficient water volume be present as it is necessary to provide thorough and uniform coverage. Where the canopy is dense or high pest pressure is present, use greater water volumes.
The use of a spray adjuvant may help to improve coverage but is not required. Avoid applications where excessive spray drift may occur.
COMPATIBILITY
Commonly used pesticides, crop oil, adjuvants and nutritional sprays are compatible with Voliam Flexi. It is advised, however, that users pre-test the physical compatibility and lack of phytotoxic effect of any proposed mixtures with Voliam Flexi.
For application timing in potatoes, apply before pests reach damaging levels. Scout fields and treat again if populations rebuild to potentially damaging levels and apply higher rates for heavy infestations.
RANGE OF ACTION
Because chlorantraniliprole is a soil systemic or foliar insecticide it kills insects through ingestion.
The compound stays on the leaf surface where a small amount penetrates into the leaf tissue and then moves in the xylem in acropetal direction.
Thiamethoxam is also a foliar or soil-applied compound to controls aphids, Colorado potato beetles, whiteflies and flea beetles. Thiamethoxam penetrates quickly into the leaf to form a reservoir of active ingredients which extend to residual control.
After the insect has contact with the insecticide, the feeding stops and death typically occurs 24 to 48 hours later.
TECHNICAL OVERVIEW
It includes efficient translaminar and locally systemic movement into the plant and accumulation on the leaf surface. Voliam Flexi features include long-lasting residual control, low use rates, rainfastness upon drying and a wide margin of plant safety when used in accordance with the label.
Voliam Flexi is compatible with Intergrated Pest Management (IPM) programs with minimal impact on beneficial arthropods. There is also a wide margin of plant safety when used in accordance with the label.
LEADING FASHION
The Potato Industry Leadership Institute is a joint venture of the National Potato Council and the USPB and is sponsored by Syngenta.
Syngenta is the only chemical company to sponsor this program for the industry. Participants in the program attend one week of instruction where in-depth discussions with upper management on key industry issues are presented. They travel to Washington D.C., for instruction on public policy issues and lobbying training.
It is hoped that this leadership training program will educate and motivate growers as they seek to volunteer their time and knowledge to improve the industry.
To learn more about the Potato Industry Leadership Institute, visit the National Potato Council website at www.nationalpotatocouncil.org and click the programs button.