Bayer’s Belt Insecticide OK’d
September 11, 2008 Bayer CropScience introduces a new active ingredient for worm pests in corn, cotton, and tobacco crops.
Belt SC insecticide, containing the active ingredient flubendiamide, has been registered by EPA for control of several economically important Lepidoptera species. According to Bayer CropScience, the material will provide rapid feeding cessation as well as long-lasting residual control for better overall protection of crop value, all without disrupting integrated pest management (IPM) programs.
Belt contains a new active ingredient from a new chemical class, the phthalic acid diamides, and provides a mode of action that acts differently against target pests compared to conventional materials. Belt is also registered for use on pome and stone fruits, tree nuts, and grapes. State registrations are pending, with many, including California, expected to be approved within the next month.
“The product’s new mode of action disrupts the calcium balance within insect muscle cells, leading to a rapid cessation in feeding as well as paralysis of target pests,” explains Steve Krueger, insecticides product development manager for Bayer CropScience in the U.S. “And because Belt shows no cross-resistance to conventional insecticides, this unique new active ingredient will help manage resistance potential in armyworm, tobacco budworm, and corn earworm populations.”
The active ingredient in Belt received approval from Chile, India, Japan, Pakistan, and the Philippines in 2007. Beyond the U.S., additional global launches are anticipated in 2008 for Canada, Brazil, Columbia, Australia, and New Zealand.
For more information on Belt, visit www.BayerCropScienceUS.com.
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