USA: FMC launches Elevest insect control with reliable broad-spectrum activity

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently granted FMC Corporation registration for Elevest™ insect control in a broad range of crops including soybeans, sweet corn, cotton, peanuts and potatoes. New Elevest insect control combines full rates of Rynaxypyr^® active, the industry standard for Lepidopteran control, with full rates of bifenthrin, the leading pyrethroid.

 “Rynaxypyr active has long been the cornerstone for effective residual control of the worm complex, and bifenthrin is recognized as a superior pyrethroid with a broad spectrum, fast knockdown and long-lasting residual. Elevest insect control delivers the only fully-loaded combination of these two premier active ingredients in a convenient premix,” says John McCool, FMC insecticide product manager.

Elevest insect control provides growers enhanced activity on select Lepidopteran pests and a broad spectrum of more than 40 insects, including yield-robbing stink bugs and plant bugs that plague southern row crops. FMC research trials have shown Elevest insect control to be more effective on stink bugs and plant bugs than other similar premix products, according to McCool.

Following a mild winter, like the one experienced in 2019-2020, the potential exists for high Lepidopteran and plant bug populations. Scouting fields and knowing the insect spectrum will be key to selecting the best tools for the current and later season conditions.

 “Scouting ensures you use the right insecticide at the right time. A premix product only fits certain situations,” explains Bruce Stripling, regional technical service manager for FMC. “If growers are fighting Lepidopteran insects, Prevathon^® insect control with the single active ingredient Rynaxypyr^® is the best agronomic choice for effective control—while also being cognizant of the value of conserving beneficial insects. However, later in the season, when growers may have to fight Lepidopteran pests plus other insects, that’s when the dual modes of action and broad-spectrum activity of Elevest insect control should be deployed.”

Elevest insect control targets key pests of soybeans often found at the R3 growth stage, including corn earworms, soybean loopers, armyworms and stink bug species. In corn, the premix is suited for tassel sprays for corn earworms and stink bugs. Late in the season, when cotton fields require treatment for bollworms and stink bugs simultaneously, Elevest insect control provides the desired spectrum of control.