AGRICULTURAL chemicals manufacturer Rohm and Haas Company has received registration from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use of Intrepid 2F insecticide on cotton and pome fruit.

Intrepid (common name methoxyfenozide) is a new insecticide that imitates the natural insect molting hormone, 20-hydroxyecdysone. It induces a premature, lethal molt in target larvae within hours of ingestion of treated plant tissue. High among its benefits, it is active only on lepidoptera.

Intrepid is a second-generation molt-accelerating compound (MAC). A first-generation insecticide in the same family, Confirm insecticide, has been used by cotton and apple growers for several years. Intrepid provides broader spectrum control than Confirm on these crops.

The EPA has classified Intrepid insecticide as a reduced risk pesticide for the registrations in cotton and pome fruit. Intrepid insecticide poses minimal risk to human health and to the environment Characteristics include: