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(Art Agnello, ama4@nysaes.cornell.edu, Entomology, Geneva)

Despite the best information we had at the time of our March 19 issue, one of the insecticides awaiting NYS registration jumped the queue and got approval much sooner than anticipated. On March 23, the DEC approved the registration of Esteem 0.86 EC (pyriproxyfen) insecticide for use in apples and pears in NY. It may be used at application rates of 10—16 oz/A anytime during the season up to its PHI of 45 days (in both crops), with a maximum of 32 oz/A per season. It has an REI period of 12 hr.

This product, manufactured by Valent, is a juvenile hormone analog (a type of insect growth regulator) that interferes with the insect's normal metamorphosis and kills by retarding its growth and causing sterility; ovicidal activity is also exhibited. It shows translaminar properties, so applications on the top surface of the leaf will affect insects on the bottom surface. Although leafrollers and codling moth also appear on the label, results from preliminary field trials in the region suggest that it has greatest efficacy on San Jose scale, pear psylla, leafminers and aphids. It has low toxicity or is non-toxic to most beneficial species, including bees.

ADDENDUM: We didn't mention it in that first issue because it happened a while ago, but Surround 95WP (kaolin clay) is also a relatively new product now available for use. It got its NYS label last season for use on all tree fruits against many pests. Although not as effective as a contact toxicant, Surround has been found to have at least moderate efficacy against plum curculio, internal worms, and apple maggot, as well as mites. There is a 0-day PHI, and it is organically approved.

Scaffolds 2001 index