You Are Here: Management Updates 2006 Archive January 27, 2006

Date: January 27, 2006
Category: Diseases
Subject: 'New' Insecticides for 2006

"New" insecticides for 2006
There are a couple of products that were available in 2005 that will be even more widely distributed in 2006. One is Arena™ (thiamethoxam), which is fairly closely related to Merit™ (imidacloprid) chemically. So if you have been using Merit™ for several years in the same location, you will not be changing chemical classes if you switch to Arena™. One of the benefits reported by the company and by university researchers who have tested Arena™ is that the product appears to be more soluble in the plant, and as a result seems to be more effective against insects with sucking mouthparts (e.g., chinchbugs).

Another "new" product is Allectus™, which is a combination of Merit™ and Talstar™ (bifenthrin). Bayer and FMC collaborated to develop this combination, and their marketing people believe it should be a very good option for lawn care professionals (as well as golf courses and other turf areas). Talstar™ is not very soluble, and therefore is effective against many surface feeders, such as chinchbugs and various caterpillars. Merit™, of course, continues to be very effective against most of the grub species found in the Northeast. However, I would caution turf managers not to apply Allectus™ too early in the season (for example, before late June) because most grub "problems" in New England now are a result of feeding by European chafers or oriental beetles. Both species can be controlled by Merit™, but only if the application is well timed and not made too early.

Ordering materials for 2006
Some turf managers are tempted, at this time of year, to order large volumes of turf care products because they can get a good price on a larger order. Keep in mind that pesticides (and, to a certain extent, fertilizers) do not last forever. In general, it is a good idea to order only one growing season's worth of pesticides and avoid storing large amounts of pesticides from one year to the next. Storage can be particularly problematic if the storage area is not heated. So avoid the temptation and order only what you can use this year... unless your sales representative is in a position to ship you what you need when you need it.

Submitted by: Dr. Pat Vittum

DISCLAIMER - As always, it is the responsibility of the applicator to verify the registration status of any pesticide BEFORE applying it. Different states have different regulations as well. The author and the University of Massachusetts are not liable for any consequences of any pesticide "recommendations". Mention of any trade name is not to be considered endorsement of a product.

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