Written by Josh Mosiondz, Minor Use Coordinator,
OMAFA

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of a minor use label expansion registration for ALTUS^® insecticide for suppression of Spotted Lanternfly on Outdoor Nursery and Landscape Plants in Canada.

ALTUS^® insecticide was already labeled for management of insects on a wide range of crops in Canada. This minor use proposal was submitted by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness, OMAFA (previously the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, OMAFRA) a result of minor use priorities established by growers and extension personnel, and in preparation for the potential arrival of this insect. NOTE: Spotted Lanternfly has not been detected in Canada at the time of publishing this article.

The following is provided as an abbreviated, general outline only. Users should be making insect management decisions within a robust integrated insect management program and should consult the complete label before using for ALTUS^® insecticide.

Application information: Monitor crops and commence applications once local thresholds are reached. Thorough, uniform coverage of the crop is required for optimum control. Use the higher rate for higher pest infestation levels. Minimum application volume is 500 L/ha. Use appropriate spray volume for adequate crop foliage spray coverage. Spray crop to wet not to drip. Repeat applications may be made if necessary, providing the maximum amount of 2000 mL product/ha per year is not exceeded. Minimum interval between applications: 7 days. Maximum ALTUS Insecticide allowed per year: 2000 mL/ha (400 g ai/ha)

Toxic to aquatic organisms. Observe buffer zones specified under DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Toxic to adult bees in laboratory studies via oral exposure, however, not toxic to bees through contact exposure, and field studies conducted with this product have shown no effects on honeybee colony development. Minimize spray drift to reduce exposure to bees in habitats close to the application site. Application during the crop blooming period, and when flowering weeds are present may only be made in the early morning and the evening when most bees are not foraging. For greenhouse use, minimize potential risk to bees by avoiding application when bees are actively visiting the treatment area. To further minimize exposure to pollinators, refer to the complete guidance “Protecting Pollinators during Pesticide Spraying – Best Management Practices” on the Health Canada website (www.healthcanada.gc.ca/pollinators). Toxic to certain beneficial insects. Minimize spray drift to reduce harmful effects on beneficial insects in habitats next to the application site such as hedgerows and woodland. For greenhouse use, minimize potential risk to beneficial insects by avoiding application when beneficial insects are actively visiting the treatment area. Flupyradifurone is persistent and may carryover. It is recommended that any products containing flupyradifurone not be used in areas treated with this product during the previous season. Flupyradifurone and its transformation product difluoroacetic acid demonstrate the properties and characteristics associated with chemicals detected in ground water. The use of flupyradifurone in areas where soils are permeable, particularly where the water table is shallow, may result in ground water contamination. To reduce runoff of flupyradifurone and its transformation product difluoroacetic acid from treated areas into aquatic habitats avoid application to areas with a moderate to steep slope, compacted soil, or clay. Avoid application when heavy rain is forecast. Contamination of aquatic areas as a result of runoff may be reduced by including a vegetative strip between the treated area and the edge of the water body.

Follow all other precautions, restrictions, and directions for use on the ALTUS® insecticide label carefully.

For a copy of the new minor use label contact Cassie Russell, Nursery and Landscape Specialist OMAFA, Guelph (519) 835-5873, your local regional supply outlet, or visit the PMRA label site http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pest/registrant-titulaire/tools-outils/label-etiq-eng.php or contact Cassie Russell, Nursery and Landscape Specialist OMAFA (cassie.russell@ontario.ca) or your local regional supply outlet.

Note:  This article is not intended to be an endorsement or recommendation for this particular product, but rather a notice of registration activity