Torac Insecticide from Nichino America, Inc. has been granted a Section 18 Emergency Use Exemption in the state of Florida to control thrips in fruit and vegetable crop group 8-10, the company announced Jan. 16.

This Section 18 follows the emergency use exemption for Torac granted last year, which expires on Feb. 28. This new Section 18 is effective March 1 and is valid through March 2018.

Torac provides fast knockdown and control of all stages of thrips including Melon thrips (Thrips palmi), Common blossom thrips (Frankliniella schultzei), and Western flower thrips (F. occidentalis).

The active ingredient in Torac, tolfenpyrad, blocks cellular respiration and is extremely effective on all stages of thrips: eggs, larvae, nymphs, and adults. Torac causes rapid feeding cessation and control of thrips usually within 24 to 48 hours.

Torac belongs to the METI (Mitochondrial Electron Transport Inhibitor) class of compounds, IRAC Group 21A Insecticide. For effective resistance management, Torac should be used in rotation with insecticides of different modes of action.

Torac is a contact, foliar insecticide which means that sufficient spray coverage is essential. Based on the label, growers can make two applications per year at a 21 fl oz/acre rate. The label also states a 12-hour reentry interval and a 1-day preharvest interval.