Dow AgroSciences has received a full federal label for its newest corn insecticide, Intrepid 2F. A reduced risk pesticide, Intrepid 2F is labeled for the control of European corn borers, southwestern corn borers, true armyworms, and western bean cutworms.

The insecticide targets second-generation lepidoptera larvae in both field corn and sweet corn, says Jonny Spivey, field representative for Dow AgroSciences in Indianola, Miss.

“A grower can apply Intrepid 2F today at labeled rates, and get residual activity on labeled pests for at least two weeks after treatment,” says Spivey. “A molt accelerating compound, Intrepid only controls lepidoptera, and only controls them in their larval stage. It will control larvae in any instar stage though, no matter how big they are.”

“Ideally, growers should time product application at peak moth capture of the second generation of the southwestern corn borer. This generally occurs about the same time as tasseling, but it can vary depending on weather conditions,” he says.

Intrepid controls lepidoptera larvae through ingestion, and pests usually die within three to five days after consumption. The product does not disrupt beneficial insect populations, Spivey says.

According to its product label, Intrepid 2F should be applied at a rate of 4 to 8 fluid ounces per acre. Growers should not apply more than 16 fluid ounces per acre per application, or more than 64 fluid ounces per acre per season. It may be applied by ground, or by air.

In addition, Intrepid should not be applied within 21 days of corn harvest.

For the control of European corn borer or southwestern corn borer, Dow AgroSciences recommends treating at the first sign of egg hatch, or when infestations reach threshold levels.

True armyworm and western bean cutworm infestations should be treated at the first sign of egg hatch for field corn, when feeding damage is apparent for sweet corn, or when infestations reach threshold levels. Under heavy infestations, continuous moth flights, or rapid crop growth and development, Intrepid 2F may be re-applied at five to 10 day intervals.

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