Loveland Products, Inc., has launched Helios Technology to extend the effectiveness of many crop protection products by delaying active ingredient breakdown under ultra-violet sunlight. The first product developed with Helios Technology, Tombstone Helios, received federal registration in February.

Patent-pending Helios Technology was developed in LPI labs in Greeley, Colo., as a formulation technology that can be included during the manufacture of products such as herbicides, insecticides and fungicides.

A product that would normally break down in sunlight will provide continued protection with Helios Technology. This will improve product performance on stubborn or late-flushing weeds, new arrivals of insects, and additional disease spores.

“Our objective was to develop a technology platform that could improve current products as well as transcend numerous active ingredients,” says Chris Stickler, director of tech services and development at LPI.

“We recognize there are many very good products on the market that are susceptible to ultraviolet degradation. These include pyrethroids, dinitroanalines and neonicotinoids, as well as many other commonly used pesticides.

“Helios Technology is not a new active ingredient, but rather a way to enhance current active ingredients on the market to extend performance and provide better results for farmers and ranchers using them.”

Tombstone Helios will be the first product with the new technology and will be available for the 2007 crop season. Loveland expects other products to follow as field results help determine which will benefit the greatest from Helios Technology.

“Tombstone Helios is an LPI proprietary pyrethroid insecticide that combines cyfluthrin with Helios Technology,” notes Casey McDaniel, LPI product manager. “Tombstone Helios will offer growers proven cyfluthrin performance with longer residual control than standard pyrethroids.

“Active ingredient degradation from ultraviolet light is perhaps the greatest threat to pyrethroid performance after application. Helios Technology will protect that pyrethroid molecule, keeping it fully active longer. A few extra days of protection can make a big difference both in crop quality and in the grower's wallet.”

Tombstone Helios will be available exclusively from UAP in 2007. Contact local UAP representatives for additional information.