Apple Orchard
Protect your fruit crop from woolly apple aphids.
Agriculture makes an enormous contribution to Canadians daily and with the growing global demand for food, local producers are being faced with increasing pressure to get even more out of their acres. Demands for high yield, exceptional quality and safe products are driving advancements in all areas of agriculture and most specifically plant science and crop protection.
For orchard growers, sap feeding insects are a significant risk to crops every year and one that has been compounded by increased resistance to insecticides such as neonicotinoids. Woolly apple aphid, Campylomma verbasci (mullein bug) and other winged, sap-feeding insects can cause extensive plant damage and ultimately have a negative impact on the quality and value of orchard crops.
Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont™ has always been on the forefront of agricultural science and dedicated to finding solutions that specifically address pest and disease issues. Expansive industry knowledge paired with world renowned agronomic expertise continues to fuel unmatched discoveries and pioneer sustainable solutions that increase crop production.
Closer Insecticide with Isoclast active is one such significant discovery which is literally in a class of its own. This novel chemistry provides growers with an effective option in fighting against sap feeding insects that are resistant to other insect classes. Growers have trusted Closer since its release and with the recent PMRA upgrade for control of Woolly apple aphid and label approval for use on Camylomma verbasci (mullein bug), they can be even more confident in its efficacy and safety.
In a Class of Its Own
It was through the exploration of underrepresented chemical moieties for pesticide activity in sulfoximine insecticides, that Sulfoxaflor (trademarked as Isoclast active) was discovered. During the early stages of research, Sulfoxaflor unveiled a high degree of efficacy against a wide range of sap-feeding insects. “Insects and crops are constantly adapting to conditions and as such we need to constantly be researching and developing new products with original molecules and modes of action,” explains Dr. Jamshid Ashigh, Field Scientist for Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont™ and principal biologist for horticultural crops.
Closer Insecticide delivers unique biochemistry that completely differentiates it from other products in the same Group. As a systemic insecticide, Isoclast acts as a neurotoxin that targets the central nervous system of insects. Isoclast, the sole member of the Group 4C sulfoximines class of chemicals, is structurally different from other neonicotinoids and therefore is not metabolized by the same metabolic pathway. Acting as an agonist at insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), Isoclast is a fast acting neurotoxin even at low use rates, with no cross-resistance to other nAChR acting insecticides.
Insects Take the Hit
The fast knockdown efficacy of Closer on Woolly apple aphid and Campylomma verbasci (mullein bug) is due to the translaminar action and systemic activity that protects the entire plant and not just the leaves. This means the insecticide gets beneath the canopy and can also target Woolly apple aphids that typically hide within the accumulations of waxy strands they create to protect their colony.
In addition, Isoclast active combats infestation at various stages of growth and outbreak, and can be used on both resistant and non-resistant pests. The active ingredient controls on contact and via ingestion, has minimal impact on beneficial insects and considerably lower environmental impact when compared to neonicotinoids.
“Closer Insecticide is ideal when outbreaks occur and is another helpful tool in any insect resistance management program or integrated pest management program. Infestation types and pressures change from year to year and this product is a valuable rotational partner as it lacks cross-resistance with other insecticide chemistries,” says Dr. Ashigh.
Insects and disease have always been and will continue to be issues for farmers around the world. As experts in science and innovation, Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont™ is dedicated to combating agronomic challenges and developing specialized and sustainable solutions for crop protection. The recent upgraded approval for Closer use to actively control Woolly apple aphid, and label registration of Closer for use on Campylomma verbasci (mullein bug) reinforces its quality and efficacy. These announcements will give growers even greater assurance of the caliber of the product as well as accessibility for use.
Closer™ Insecticide with Isoclast active is a groundbreaking and proprietary product of Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont™ and is registered in over 40 countries around the world.
