Feb 13, 2019

Spotted lanterfly targeted by Valent spray Danitol

Valent U.S.A. LLC announced a FIFRA Section 2(ee) recommendation for the use of Danitol 2.4 EC Spray on spotted lanternfly – an invasive pest currently in Pennsylvania with the potential to devastate fruit trees, grape vines and other landscape trees, shrubs and vines.

This Section 2(ee) for Danitol 2.4 EC Spray (EPA Reg. No. 59639-35) is now available to farm operations that grow and produce pome fruit, stone fruit and grapes in New York, Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

Danitol is a fast-acting, broad spectrum insecticide that kills pests rapidly, providing results within hours. In addition, Danitol has a notably short 24-hour restricted re-entry interval and will not flare mites like other synthetic pyrethroids.

“Spotted lanternfly can cause overwhelming damage to a grower’s operation very quickly during the early stages of the growing season, but Danitol is an excellent option for growers needing a strong level of control of this invasive pest,” said Carlos Granadino, product development manager at Valent. “Danitol, when sprayed timely, can provide consistent, reliable and fast knockdown of these pests before they cause physiological damage to the crop.”

In the fall and early winter, the adult spotted lanternflies lay their eggs on host-specific species, such as the Tree of Heaven, or Ailanthus, and other tree and vine bark. After the eggs hatch in early summer, the nymphs start feeding by sucking the sap out of the plants, depleting the nutrients and significantly weakening the trees and vines. If the nymphs and adults are left to feed on the crops without using any control tactics, the trees and vines will begin to wilt and eventually die, resulting in devastating damage and yield loss.

To avoid permanent damage to the crops, Granadino said growers should spray Danitol early when populations are beginning to build up.

“Growers should apply Danitol as soon as nymphs begin to appear on the trees or vines and repeat as needed. For resistance management, rotate different types of chemistry and use non-pyrethroid products in rotation with Danitol,” said Granadino.

In addition, Danitol can be a part of an integrated pest management program where crops and landscape are managed to reduce infestations and spread of this invasive pest. Utilizing different control strategies and tactics to manage this pest will help to reduce the potential of on-set resistance to insecticides and preserve different control options for the growers in the long term.

For more information on Danitol for spotted lanternfly, visit valent.com/Danitol or contact your local retailer or Valent representative.