Entomologists say it’s hard to predict insect challenges before a new season. But certain pests are perennial problems that require proactive tactics to limit their impact on yield.

Two new tools for farmers in 2014 will help manage the productivity threats from corn rootworms and from soybean aphids, beetles and stink bugs.

New trait for corn rootworm

Corn growers will test new options for corn rootworm control this summer as Syngenta conducts a limited commercial launch of its new Agrisure Duracade trait stacks. “The Agrisure Duracade trait expresses a unique, new protein, (eCry3.1Ab), and a new mode of action for control of corn rootworm,” says Jill Wheeler, Syngenta product lead, commercial traits.

One of the most damaging of corn pests, corn rootworm can cost U.S. corn growers more than $1 billion per year. What’s more, in recent years, corn rootworm has shown the ability to develop resistance to some of the most commonly used proteins in corn rootworm control stacks.

 As it progressed toward registration, regulatory agencies required proof that the Agrisure Duracade trait offered a new mode of action. “In trials conducted by USDA, the Agrisure Duracade trait reduced adult corn rootworm beetle emergence by 99.79%, the highest level the department had ever seen in such tests,” says Tom Kelley, Syngenta agronomy service representative.

Agrisure Duracade will be available stacked with Agrisure RW (mCry3Aa), and only offered as a 5% integrated, single-bag refuge product via the Agrisure Duracade 5122 E-Z Refuge and Agrisure Duracade 5222 E-Z Refuge trait stacks.

Five trials over three years by Iowa State University entomologist Aaron Gassmann and his staff show less root damage with Agrisure Duracade. See more at bit.ly/1oGhefe.

High expectations with a caveat

“I anticipate high levels of root protection from the new Duracade hybrids,” says Michael Gray, Extension entomologist, University of Illinois.

“However, there is some evidence building that there may be some cross resistance between the mCry3Aa (Agrisure RW) and the Cry3Bb1 (Monsanto Yieldgard Rootworm) proteins.

In areas where resistance to the Cry3Bb1 protein has been confirmed and Agrisure Duracade hybrids are planted, the efficacy of the mCry3Aa protein could be compromised. In effect, only the eCry3.1Ab, protein would provide the bulk of the needed root protection when these pyramided Bt hybrids are planted. This would place significantly more selection pressure on this protein for resistance to develop.”

“The Agrisure Duracade trait is the only corn rootworm trait on the market that was developed with insect resistance management in mind,” says Amy Battles, agronomy sales representative for Mercer Landmark in Elgin, OH. “It is only available stacked with a second corn rootworm trait. By planting hybrids with the Agrisure Duracade trait, growers can experience the highest reduction in corn rootworm beetle emergence available on the market today.

“Not only is Agrisure Duracade offering growers two modes of action against CRW, it is also available only as an E-Z Refuge hybrid, containing 5% refuge in the bag- simplifying growers’ refuge requirements,” Battles says.

Editor’s Note: With grain companies like ADM, Bunge, Cargill and CGB refusing to buy/store Duracade grain due to lack of trait approval in China and the EU, Syngenta plans a limited launch of hybrids with the trait while requiring growers to adhere to a “Right to Grow” program, with Gavilon Grain helping manage the grain to keep it in proper channels. 

New soybean insect control

Soybean growers seeking a new pyrethroid for their insecticide rotations got their first look in 2013 at Fastac EC from BASF Crop Protection. 

“Fastac EC brings a new tool for managing a broad spectrum of pests, ” says Luke Bozeman, technical market manager, BASF.

“The active ingredient, alpha-cypermethrin, represents a new fourth-generation pyrethroid with typical use rates between 3.2 to 3.8 ounces per acre,” Bozeman says.  It is labeled to control piercing-sucking and chewing pests, including aphids, beetles and stink bugs.

“Fastac will be like a good utility player on a baseball team,” says Josh Seemann, yield specialist for AgVenture Growmore in Ankeny, IA. “It can contribute to a lot of different plant health programs.”

As he scouts client fields, Seemann looks for aphids and other key pests and creates programs designed to manage the overall insect situation.  “Fastac is going to give decent knockdown and a little bit of residual,” he says, “at a farmer-friendly price point.” Seemann plans to combine Fastac with a harder knockdown insecticide, counting on the Fastac to extend the effectiveness of the application.

“We fight tooth and nail for every bit of yield out there and Fastac definitely fits into our approach,” Seemann says.

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