Manage Sugarcane Pests, Protect Environment
Indianapolis, IN - June 21, 2005
For several years, scientists at Louisiana State University conducted studies to help identify the best insecticides to manage sugarcane insect pests and minimize risk to the environment. Cane fields are fragile ecosystems, and many of their natural inhabitants can be considered endangered.
Thanks to the results of the LSU study1, pelicans have been removed from the endangered species list, and more than 60 pairs of bald eagles have been documented as nesting in Southern Louisiana.
To help maintain this balance between environmental stewardship and sugarcane pest control, many growers rely on Confirm® 2F insecticide for effective control of the sugarcane borer pest. Tebufenozide, the active ingredient in Confirm, has a very narrow range of activity, targeted only to worm pests, and a favorable environmental profile due to its selectivity and product composition. In fact, Confirm received the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the President's Council. This award recognizes fundamental breakthroughs in chemical technologies that incorporate principles of environmental safety into the design, manufacture and use of ag chemicals.
The active ingredient in Confirm mimics the action of a natural insect hormone, causing a premature and lethal molt in target pests. But the product's selectivity allows growers to maintain populations of beneficial and predatory insects such as fire ants, crickets and spiders, which are key elements in integrated pest management programs in sugarcane. Confirm also has no activity against the biological sugarcane borer parasite.
But, be sure to use Confirm and all other insecticides wisely to maintain their effectiveness. The sugarcane borer has demonstrated the ability to develop resistance to multiple classes of chemistry. Dow AgroSciences and the LSU AgCenter Extension Service suggest that you rotate use of Confirm with other insecticides of alternate modes of action and utilize all Integrated Pest Management practices. In fact, we recommend that Confirm not be used on more than three consecutive generations of a pest.
Wise use of insecticide tools like Confirm will help you manage damaging pests, maintain product effectiveness and keep the natural environment around your fields in good order. The birds will thank you.
1Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2002, page 30.
Always read and follow label directions.
For Editorial Information:
Amanda Powell
Bader Rutter & Associates
(770) 356-1480
apowell@bader-rutter.com
