Transform WG insecticide receives Section 18 emergency use exemptions in US

Section 18 emergency use exemptions from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Transform® WG insecticide is welcome news to cotton and sorghum growers.
 

States receiving a Section 18 emergency exemption for the 2018 cotton production season include Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas. States receiving a Section 18 emergency exemption in sorghum for 2018 include Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Applications for Section 18 emergency exemptions in additional cotton- and sorghum-producing states are pending. 

 

During the previous five years, Transform has proven to be an effective weapon in the battle cotton growers wage annually against tarnished plant bug. The Section 18 emergency use exemptions are embraced by Jason Grafton, a crop consultant from Madison, Mississippi, who has long recommended using Transform to his grower customers.
 

“Having a product that works quickly is really important,” Grafton says. “When infestations of plant bug reach threshold numbers, it is crucial we knock them down quickly. Plus, if adverse weather is imminent, growers need to make sure that the insecticide they are using has adequate time to work. Transform does exactly that.”
 

Equally important as the effective control provided by Transform is the minimal impact it has on beneficials.
 

“Beneficial insects are extremely important, and Transform has minimal impact on them,” Grafton says. “Any time that we can limit a trip across the field and allow Mother Nature to help out on pests, it is a good thing. When you compare Transform to other plant bug control options, it stacks up very well. It works fast, it’s economical and it’s just a really good product.”
 

Transform® WG insecticide delivers outstanding control of targeted insects, such as tarnished plant bug in cotton and sugarcane aphid in sorghum fields.
 

Sugarcane aphid spreads its footprint
 

Sorghum growers also have heralded the effective control of Transform on sugarcane aphid, as this devastating pest has continued a northward movement, afflicting sorghum fields in an increasing number of states.
 

The sap-feeding pest, which first appeared in Southern sorghum fields in 2013, has continued to move farther north and west into other sorghum-producing states. Sugarcane aphid damage presents as purple and yellow foliage with the presence of a sticky honeydew substance, which reduces harvest efficiency and clogs combines.
 

Angus Catchot, Extension professor, Mississippi State University, reiterates the importance of the Section 18 emergency use exemptions of Transform for cotton and sorghum growers.
 

“Transform has proven very effective in controlling plant bug and sugarcane aphid infestations.” Catchot says. “These pests can be extremely damaging and Transform plays a critical role in our insect pest management programs.” 
 

“The EPA granting Section 18 emergency use exemptions for both crops underscores the importance of Transform insecticide in controlling these potentially yield-robbing pests,” says Mike Fox, insecticides product manager with Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont™. “We believe the action by EPA shows that the agency has listened to growers, consultants and university Extension experts, and continues to confirm the valuable role Transform insecticide plays in effectively controlling these devastating pests.”