Delegate^® WG Insecticide Has Strong Showing in Multiple Studies

Product demonstrates excellent control of first-generation codling moth

Indianapolis, IN - February 17, 2009

Four studies conducted throughout the Pacific Northwest in 2008 demonstrated the effectiveness of DELEGATE^® WG insecticide as a tool to protect apples and pears against first-generation codling moth.

Three different studies conducted in Washington apple orchards measured the efficacy of DELEGATE against codling moth. All three concluded that DELEGATE protected fruit from first-generation codling moth damage, even under high pest pressure.

"These studies showed fewer entry and exit points on fruits treated with DELEGATE," says Dr. Harvey Yoshida, field scientist for Dow AgroSciences. "We are seeing reduced survivorship of codling moth compared with competing insecticides."

In a study conducted in Orondo, Wash., apples treated with DELEGATE showed no entry points from first-generation codling moth. Untreated apples showed entry points in more than 25 percent of the apples.

A study conducted in Wenatchee, Wash., demonstrated similar results. Less than one apple per 100 fruits sustained a first-generation codling moth entry point when treated with DELEGATE^® WG insecticide. Entry points were visible in nearly 40 percent of untreated apples.

Dr. Jay Brunner, director of the Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center at Washington State University, conducted the trials in Orondo and Wenatchee. He says DELEGATE was put under extreme pest pressure in these trials.

"DELEGATE performed as well as any of the newly registered insecticides and is comparable with the industry standard," Brunner says. "The results would be even better in a standard grower situation with less pest pressure. DELEGATE performed very well considering the situation."

In a study conducted in Toppenish, Wash., DELEGATE outperformed two competing insecticides. Apples treated with DELEGATE^® WG insecticide showed exit points of first-generation codling moth in less than 2 percent of fruits, better than both of the competing insecticides. Untreated apples suffered exit points in more than 16 percent of the fruits evaluated.

DELEGATE provided superb protection against codling moth in pears in a Central Point, Ore. study. In a study conducted by Dr. Richard Hilton, Oregon State University, only 0.75 percent of pears treated with DELEGATE showed entry points. There were no visible exit points observed in pears treated with DELEGATE although they were visible in more than 40 percent of untreated fruits.

"These studies show that DELEGATE is an effective tool against codling moth," Yoshida says. "It is actually killing the codling moth larva before it has an opportunity to go into the fruit. By knocking down the codling moth population early in the season, you create a better situation later in the season."

DELEGATE^® WG Insecticide Takes Top Spot in PNW
According to the 2008 Crop Data Management Systems report, DELEGATE^® WG insecticide was applied on nearly 11 percent of the total apple acreage in Washington, more than any other branded apple insecticide in the state. DELEGATE attained that position after just one year in the market.

"DELEGATE had a very good year in the pome fruit market," says Tom Linnen, marketing specialist for Dow AgroSciences. "Growers adapted very well to the new molecule because of its excellent control of codling moth."

The sales data for DELEGATE indicated that 70 percent of the product was used for the control of first-generation codling moth.

Dow AgroSciences LLC, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, is a top-tier agricultural company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. Dow AgroSciences provides innovative technologies for crop protection, pest and vegetation management, seeds, traits, and agricultural biotechnology to serve the world's growing population. Global sales for Dow AgroSciences, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, are $4.5 billion.  Learn more at www.dowagro.com.

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For Editorial Information:

Amanda Powell
Bader Rutter & Associates
(770) 356-1480
apowell@bader-rutter.com