You Are Here: Management Updates 2008 Archive October 22, 2008

Date: October 22, 2008
Category: Insects
Subject: Acelepryn™ Insecticide

We just received word that Acelepryn™ (chlorantraniliprole) received registration in Massachusetts last week. This is indeed exciting news for turf managers. I believe Acelepryn™ is now registered in all six New England states.

We have tested the material for at least three years and have found it to be very effective against white grubs (European chafers, oriental beetles, and Japanese beetles). Our field trials indicate that the product is most effective when used as a preventive application. We have seen very good control of grubs with applications as early as late May.

Acelepryn™ also works very well against annual bluegrass weevils in some situations, but we are still refining the best strategy. Right now it appears that an application at the same time as a traditional spring adult treatment (after Forsythia full bloom and before dogwood full bloom), coupled with a follow up application of indoxacarb (Provaunt™) about three weeks later works very well in most places.

While I have not conducted field trials on other turf insects, all indications are that Acelepryn™ is very effective against many other insects as well, including billbugs and chinchbugs.

One other interesting piece of information ... Acelepryn™ is in a new class of chemistry (anthranilic diamides), which interferes with the movement of calcium ions during muscle contraction. The receptor site on insects happens to be much more sensitive to this molecule than are mammals, so the active ingredient has a very low toxicity to mammals. In fact it is my understanding that the EPA did not require DuPont to include a signal word (in this case,"Caution") on the label.

The times, they are a' changin' indeed!

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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