The recent registration of Exirel insecticide to control pests in canola will help growers maximise yields with a proven, effective product against key pests such as diamondback moth and native budworm.

Exirel has been successfully used across cotton, citrus and forage brassicas and its introduction into canola provides an opportunity to target a range of key pests.

FMC insecticide product manager Leandro Posteraro said the company saw an opportunity in the canola space with its ability to target problem pests.

“Exirel is an ideal insecticide, with a new mode of action for canola, which has activity on both chewing and sucking pests,” he said.

“Exirel insecticide targets multiple species, can access pests in hard-to-reach places, provides great residual activity, and can be used as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) program.

“It is the ideal insecticide to help growers maximise their yields, and profitability in canola.”

He said Exirel insecticide had activity on diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), native budworm (Helicoverpa punctigera), grey cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae) and Turnip aphid (Lipaphis erysimi).

“Exirel insecticide works on the muscle function of the pest, so insects stop feeding very quickly, providing almost immediate protection to the plant.

“The exceptional efficacy of Exirel comes from its translaminar and locally systemic activity, enabling it to penetrate the leaf and effectively target pests residing in inaccessible areas, including the underside of the leaf.”

He said early spray application should be made once the specific pest reached the economic threshold levels, however, the cross-spectrum of this product meant secondary insects could also be targeted.

“Not only do you control the target and secondary pest, but Exirel has minimal impact on vital beneficial insects, leaving these in crop to continue their good work.

“As an example, a grower scouting a canola field might find threshold levels of heliothis grubs and make an economic decision to apply an insecticide.

“By using Exirel, they will control the heliothis outbreak but also reduce numbers of other caterpillar and aphid pests.”

Mr Posteraro said it should be applied when caterpillar eggs, larvae or aphid numbers reach that economic threshold and before they become a major problem.

While it is effective against larger-sized caterpillar pests, an earlier application is recommended in order to minimise crop damage from feeding insects.

Growers can expect excellent length of control in the weeks after application and increased help from beneficial insects along the way.

“Insects such as ladybirds, lacewings, and parasitoid wasps are known for their ability to naturally control aphids and caterpillars,” Mr. Posteraro said. “Damsel bugs also target caterpillars and hoverflies eat aphids.

“They can remain in the crop to help control the subsequent generation of pests and also contribute to the pollination of the canola.

“There are many benefits of using an IPM approach that combines Exirel insecticide with beneficial insects.”

He said Exirel also has a mode of action that has not been used in canola before, making it ideal to rotate with other chemistries as part of a resistance management program.

“Diamondback moth, in particular, is very quick to develop insect resistance. Many of the older chemistries are ineffective against diamondback moth so the registration of Exirel is timely.”

Exirel Insecticide needs to be applied with an adjuvant. “FMC’s Parachute paraffinic oil can also be tanked mixed with Exirel and is the perfect partner. Parachute oil has its own independent insecticide claims for diamondback moth and Helicoverpa plus provides extraordinary leaf coverage, enhancing Exirel insecticide’s performance.”

Mr Posteraro said the alternative mode of action allowed growers to rotate their chemistry and help keep resistant insects from causing significant damage to their canola crops.

“Exirel has other benefits for growers, including an excellent health and safety profile.

“It has low impact on mammals, birds and fish, algae and aquatic plants. PPE requirements are limited to gloves and cotton overalls.

“With its good margin of safety, it’s an excellent choice for applicators. Workers entering the field can do so after the spray has dried.”

Exirel is available this season to help growers maximise their canola yields and their bottom line. It can be applied by ground rig or by aircraft.