Editor’s Note: Earlier this year, Dow AgroSciences announced the federal registration of Closer SC (sulfoxaflor) insecticide (California registration is expected in 2015). The product is designed to offer targeted control of sap-feeding insects in vegetables, tree fruit, and other markets. American Vegetable Grower recently caught up with Pedro Carlucci, product manager for Closer, to discuss what growers may need to know about using Closer.
Q1 What are the biggest pest control issues you see growers dealing with today?
Carlucci: Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) is a bigger concern in berries, but has the potential to grow in importance in soft-skinned vegetables such as tomatoes. This is a relatively new pest, though, so research is still being conducted to determine the best course of action. Dow AgroSciences offers two solutions for control of SWD. Radiant is an option in conventional vegetable production, while Entrust SC can be used in the organic market.
Q2 How does Closer fit into a grower’s IPM program?
Carlucci: A major component in effective IPM programs is not flaring secondary pests such as aphids. Closer offers class-leading control of all species of aphids. It also controls other piercing-and-sucking insects, such as leafhoppers, plant bugs, and whiteflies, while displaying a minimal impact on beneficial insects.
Q3 How do you plan on working with and educating growers on the use of Closer, including managing resistance?
Carlucci: Managing resistance is critical to maintaining the effectiveness of insecticides. Our team is well versed on the importance of rotating modes of action and how our insecticides, including Closer, should be used in cooperation with other available products. Our sales team and product literature are excellent resources in identifying the spray programs that will help reduce insecticide resistance.
Q4 As a follow-up to this, do you have any advice for growers on the most effective use of Closer?
Carlucci: Closer is unique in that it’s the only Group 4C insecticide labeled in the market, making it a valuable asset in a resistance management program. Closer should be rotated with products of a different chemistry to maintain the effectiveness of the spray program. Growers should not make more than two consecutive applications of Closer per crop and no more than four total applications per crop per year.
Q5 Closer is the first in a new line of sulfoximine products coming from Dow. What else is on the horizon?
Carlucci: Pending federal registration, TwinGuard, a new product that will be introduced in 2014, will target the control of all life stages of whiteflies in cucurbits and fruiting vegetables.