Dow AgroSciences' transform insecticide granted emergency use exemption in Texas sorghum

Dow AgroSciences announced recently that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted an emergency use exemption in Texas for the application of Transform^TM WG insecticide(Sulfoxaflor). The Section 18 label, issued at the request of the Texas Department of Agriculture, was issued specifically for control of sugarcane aphids in sorghum.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service estimates growers lost 50 percent of yields in infested sorghum fields in 2013. Sugarcane aphids colonize the surfaces of lower leaves first, then advance to upper leaves. Colonies also produce large amounts of honeydew, which chokes combines and causes grain loss.

"Texas sorghum growers need new tools to combat the devastating impact of sugarcane aphids," says Nate Feauto, product manager, Dow Agrosciences. "Since its introduction in 2013, Transform has proven to be a highly effective solution for controlling aphids and other damaging pests in many crops."

Transform is a fast-acting insecticide from a proprietary, new class of chemistry that controls sap-feeding insects, such as aphids. It offers a short 7-day pre-harvest interval for forage and 14-day pre-harvest interval for grain. Transform also has a short 24-hour re-entry interval and has minimal impact on beneficials.

Transform can be applied up to two times at a rate of 0.75 to 1.5 oz./A in each application for control of sugarcane aphid. Applicators applying Transform for sugarcane aphids must have a copy of the Section 18 emergency use exemption label, which expires on Oct. 31, 2014.