Exirel Insecticide (FMC Corporation) has recently received an expanded federal label which includes use in caneberries against spotted wing drosophila (SWD). While we are still waiting on the state label for Exirel in caneberries in North Carolina, we expect it be available for use during the 2019 growing season.
This new label expands the effective modes of action (MOA) available for use to manage spotted wing drosophila in caneberries. Exirel is a Group 28 MOA, and the other materials effective against SWD in caneberries include pyrethroids (Group 3), organophosphates (Group 1A), and spinosyns (Group 5). Importantly, Exirel has a 1 day preharvest interval (PHI), which allows for its use when caneberries are at the greatest risk of damage from SWD.
A maximum of 30.8 fl oz Exirel can be applied per acre, which equates to either two applications at the lower label rate (13.5 fl oz per acre) or one application at the highest label rate (20.5 fl oz per acre).
Previous work in our laboratory has demonstrated that Exirel (tested as HGW86 10SE) can provide a similar reduction in fruit infestation in blackberries to other registered materials. We have also demonstrated that Exirel is an effective component of a season-long pesticide rotation program in blueberries. Developing research using SWD population models suggests that using pesticides that are more toxic to eggs and larvae, which Exirel may be, earlier in the spray program could provide longer term benefit.
More information
Effects of an Unregistered Insecticide on Adult Spotted Wing Drosophila Mortality and Field Infestation Rates, 2015 – Arthropod Management Tests
Season-long programs for control of Drosophila suzukii in southeastern U.S. blueberries – Crop Protection
