Horticultural and broadacre growers will soon have access to a new insecticide formulation for control of Lepidoptera insect pests with the imminent registration of Shenzi insecticide in Australia.
Shenzi (400 g/L chlorantraniliprole) is a new high strength insecticide by UPL that currently offers the widest registered use label for this active in the Australian market.
UPL Australia’s head of marketing and business development, Ian Cass said the insecticide will be launched under the one label to cover use in both broadacre and horticulture segments.
“While chlorantraniliprole is not new to the market we believe Shenzi will become the right choice of insecticide for growers and agronomists,” Mr Cass said. “It offers rural retailers a unique low-rate insecticide with the convenience of stocking the one product for both horticulture and broadacre growers.
“At 400 g/L of active, Shenzi will offer growers a low-rate option with the convenience of handling less product compared to existing 200 g/L active products.
“Growers will now have access to this highly effective and selective chemistry. It provides not only the right chemistry but also the right fit as an ideal IPM partner.”
Mr Cass said Shenzi provides great control on target pests but is soft on a broad range of beneficial insects and pollinators.
“Shenzi has been specially formulated to handle the rigours of Australian growing conditions. It is stable and rainfast, making it easy and convenient to use.”
The insecticide is temperature stable, UV and pH stable and is rainfast two hours after application.
UPL recommends targeting lepidopteran insect pests with Shenzi insecticide early, spraying at the first sign of pests.
Mr Cass said Shenzi is highly effective against eggs and larvae. It can provide larval ‘knockdown’ control, and so application should coincide with egg hatching.
“Whilst it is recommended to target pests when young, Shenzi provides effective control at a range of life stages, making it a good rotational insecticide.
“As with all Group 28 insecticides, it is important to rotate Shenzi with alternative modes of action and to always follow the label directions and required spray intervals.”
Use is restricted to a maximum of three applications to any one crop, and no more than two consecutive sprays in a season.
To keep the active viable for as long as possible, Shenzi insecticide should be used in accordance with AIRAC Insecticide Resistance Management Strategy Guidelines.
“UPL is excited to bring to market a product that we feel is the right fit for Australian growers and the rural retail trade,” Mr Cass said. “Shenzi is the right choice of insecticide across a broad range of crops when it comes to chemistry, rate, timing, rotation and fit.”
Registration for Shenzi insecticide is expected in June 2023 in time for the winter season. Shenzi will be available in 500ml, 1L and 5L pack sizes.
