Spinosyn Suspension Expires

As of July 1, a two-year suspension (EPA 24c SLN) involving the use of spinosyn insecticides in eastern Palm Beach and Broward counties has expired.

The use restriction was put in place to prevent further development and spread of Western flower thrips (WFT) resistance to these spinosyn insecticide products and to restore WFT susceptibility to the spinosyns in these counties.

The products affected by the restriction (all from Dow AgroSciences) included Entrust (spinosad), Conserve SC (spinosad), Spintor 2SC (spinosad), Delegate WG (spinetoram), and Radiant SC (spinetoram).

According to Dow AgroSciences, the reasons for ending the use restriction on spinosyn insecticides in Broward and Palm Beach counties are:

• There is much greater awareness and adoption of IPM and resistance management practices for WFT by growers, thanks to the communication efforts of Cooperative Extension, the University of Florida, and Dow AgroSciences.
• Monitoring of WFT in the affected area during the last two years has shown a shift toward greater spinosyn susceptibility.
• Growers are making use of a broader range of insecticides that encompass a wider range of modes-of-action to manage WFT, and new products with significant WFT activity will be registered soon.

Although progress has been made toward restoring WFT susceptibility to spinosyn active ingredients, it is very important to continue to follow effective IPM and insecticide resistance management practices.

For more information on managing insecticide resistance in WFT,to read an article that appeared in the May 2010 issue of Florida Grower.  

Source: Gene McAvoy, UF/IFAS