Insect Control

NOTES:  For the insecticides listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient (AI) as an example of rates, preharvest interval (PHI), restricted entry interval (REI), and special instructions. In many cases, there are other products available with the same AI. Please see Table 26 and Insecticides Alphabetical Listing by Trade Name for more information on these insecticides.

All tolerances for chlorpyrifos in food crops were revoked in 2022, therefore products containing chlorpyrifos (e.g. Lorsban) cannot be applied to any food crop and growers CAN NOT use up existing stock.

The designation (Bee: L, M, or H) indicates a bee toxicity rating of low, moderate, or high. See the Protecting Honeybees and Native Pollinators section for more details.

The symbol * indicates a product is a restricted use pesticide. See Pesticide Safety and Use for more details.

The symbol OG   indicates a product is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) as approved for use in organic production. See Organic Certification section for more details.

Aphids, primarily Green Peach Aphid (Myzus persicae)

For more information see green peach aphid in the Pepper section.

acetamiprid (Assail 30SG): 2.5 to 4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 4A.

alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* EC): 3.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

azadirachtin (Azatin OOG): 4 to 16 oz/A foliar or drench, 4 to 16 oz/100 gal in greenhouses; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee:L, Group UN. When using lower rates, combine with adjuvant for improved spray coverage and translaminar uptake.

Beauveria bassiana (Mycotrol ESOOG): 8 to 32 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group UN. Treat when populations are low and thoroughly cover foliage. Takes 7 to 10 days after the first spray to see control. Repeat applications may be needed.

chlorantraniliprole & lambda-cyhalothrin (Besiege*): 6 to 9 oz/A; PHI 14d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Groups 28 & 3A.

Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (GrandevoOG): 2 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group UN.

clothianidin (Belay): 2 to 3 oz/A for foliar application, 9 to 12 oz/A for soil application, 0.4 to 0.6 oz/100 lbs seed for seed-piece application; PHI 14d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.

cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 13.5 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28. For soil applications at planting. For suppression of green peach aphid only.

flonicamid (Beleaf 50SG): 2 to 2.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12, Bee: L, Group 9C.

flupyradifurone (Sivanto): 7 to 10.5 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 4h, Bee:L, Group 4D.

gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 1.2 oz/A for foliar application, 4.4 to 10.5 oz/A for soil application; PHI 7d foliar, PHI 125d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.

lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

petroleum oil (Suffoil XOG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply as needed.

pymetrozine (Fulfill): 2.75 to 5.5 oz/A; PHI 14d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 9A. Selective control of aphids. Translaminar. Apply before populations build up. 

pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.

spirotetramat (Movento): 4 to 5 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 24h, Bee: M, Group 23. Must be tank-mixed with a spray adjuvant with spreading and penetrating properties to maximize leaf uptake and sytemicity; don't use sticker adjuvants. Controls immature stages; may also reduce adult fertility.

sulfoxaflor (Closer SC): 1.5 to 2 oz/A. Foliar applications only; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4C.

thiamethoxam (Actara): 3 oz/A; PHI 14d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.

thiamethoxam (Platinum): 5 to 8 oz/A; REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Systemic insecticide applied to seed pieces in-furrow during planting, impregnated on dry granular fertilizer before or during planting, or as directed spray at plant emergence or during last hilling operation. Must incorporate into root zone with sufficient irrigation within 24 hours. DO NOT apply as a foliar spray.

Cutworms

See cutworms in the Pepper and Tomato (Outdoor) sections for more information on the black and variegated cutworms.

alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* EC): 1.3 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai (XenTariOG): 0.5 to 1.5 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 11. Must be ingested; apply in evening or early morning, before larvae are actively feeding. Adherence and weather-fastness will improve with use of an approved spreader-sticker. Use high rate at cool temperatures. For resistance management, may be rotated with Bt kurstaki products (Dipel).

Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Dipel DFOG): 0.5 to 2 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 11. Must be ingested; apply in evening or early morning, before larvae are actively feeding. Adherence and weather-fastness will improve with use of an approved spreader-sticker. Use high rate at cool temperatures. For resistance management, may be rotated with Bt aizawai products (XenTari).

beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 0.8 to 1.6 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

carbaryl (10% Sevin Granules): 20 lb/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1A. Apply evenly over soil surface.

chlorantraniliprole & lambda-cyhalothrin (Besiege*): 5 to 8 oz/A; PHI 14d, REI 24h, Bee:H, Groups 28 & 3A.

deltamethrin (Delta Gold*): 1 to 2.4 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 0.77 to 1.28 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 0.96 to 1.6 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

methoxyfenozide (Intrepid 2F): 6 to 10 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 18. Suppression only.

spinosad (SeduceOG): 20 to 44 lb/A or 0.5 to1 lb/1000 sq ft.; PHI 7d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5. Spread bait on soil around plants.

zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 1.4 to 4.3 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

Flea Beetle, Sweet potato (Chaetocnema confinis)

Sweet potato flea beetles feed only on the plant family that includes sweet potato, bindweed (Convolvus spp.) , morning glory (Ipomea spp.), and also the Asian leafy green crop known as water spinach (Ipomea aquatica) which is grown only with a state permit in MA because it is a noxious weed in southern states.  Adults are small (1.5 to 1.8mm) black flea beetles with a bronze cast. Like many flea beetles, they overwinter as adults and become active in spring.  They lay eggs primarily in bindweed, where larvae feed on roots, and pupate in the soil. There is one generation per year. In sweet potato, adults cause damage primarily to young plants, feeding in long narrow strips on the foliage, parallel to veins, rather than the small round holes that are characteristic of most flea beetle species. Damage is rarely severe enough to require controls. Larvae rarely feed on sweet potato, but may damage fibrous roots or etch channels into the surface of tubers. Some sweet potato varieties have greater resistance to root injury.  Because sweet potato acreage is increasing in New England, cultural practices such as crop rotation and eliminating bindweed are especially important to prevent insects that feed on sweet potato and related plants from building up and becoming significant pests.

acetamiprid (Assail 30SG): 1.5 to 2.5 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 4A.

alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* EC): 1.8 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 1.6 to 2.8 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 3.2 to 9.6 oz/A at cultivation or lay-by, 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A foliar; PHI 21d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. May be applied as a soil-incorporated broadcast, bed or t-band spray into planting furrow to control sweet potato flea beetle only. May be applied as foliar spray to control all adult flea beetles.

carbaryl (Sevin XLR Plus): 0.5 to 1 qt/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1A.

chlorantraniliprole & lambda-cyhalothrin (Besiege*): 6 to 9 oz/A; PHI 14d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Groups 28 & 3A.

clothianidin (Belay): 2 to 3 oz/A for foliar application, 9 to 12 oz/A for soil application; PHI 14d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.

cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 6.75 to 13.5 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28. For soil applications at planting. Suppression only.

deltamethrin (Delta Gold*): 1.5 to 2.4 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 1.2 oz/A for foliar application, 4.4 to 10.5 oz/A for soil application; PHI 7d foliar, PHI 125d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.

kaolin (Surround WPOG): 25 to 50 lb/A or 0.25 to 0.5 lb/gal; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Suppression/repellence only. Generally compatible as a tank mix with other insecticides.

lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.

thiamethoxam (Actara): 1.5 to 3 oz/A; PHI 14d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.

thiamethoxam (Platinum): 5 to 8 oz/Al REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Systemic insecticide applied to seed pieces in-furrow during planting, impregnated on dry granular fertilizer before or during planting, or as directed spray at plant emergence or during last hilling operation. Must incorporate into root zone with sufficient irrigation within 24 hours. DO NOT apply as a foliar spray.

zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 1.9 to 4.3 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

Tortoise Beetle

There are several species of tortoise beetles which feed on sweet potato and related plants in the morning glory (Convulvulaceae) family and have a broad geographic range.  These leaf-feeding beetles cause foliar damage in both adult and larval stages.  Adults have a distinctive rounded shape, with their head and thorax covered and flattened often translucent margins on their wings and thorax, giving them the appearance of a turtle shell.  Coloration is often bright and metallic, especially in the golden tortoise beetle (Charidotella bicolor).  Adults overwinter and lay eggs in late spring and early summer; larvae feed on underside of leaves, and when full grown, pupate attached to the leaf.  Larvae are flattened, adorned with branched spines, and construct a protective dried mass of cast skin and feces attached to their posterior end, which is held over their back. Their distinctive feeding holes are round, irregular and scattered across the leaf.  There is one generation per year. Unless the numbers are very high, sweet potato outgrows the damage without yield loss.

chlorantraniliprole & lambda-cyhalothrin (Besiege*): 6 to 9 oz/A; PHI 14d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Groups 28 & 3A.

gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

Slugs

Damage appears as shredded foliage. Look for silvery slime trails on leaves or turn over soil clods or debris to find slugs during daylight hours. Grow plants away from moist, shaded habitats, use clean cultivation, control weeds, hand pick/crush slugs or scatter baits on the ground near infested plants. See the Cabbage section for more information on slugs.

iron phosphate (Sluggo: Snail and Slug BaitOG): 20 to 44 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 0h, Bee: L, Group 9B. Apply around perimeter, scatter around base of plants, or band down rows. Apply to moist soil in the evening.

metaldehyde (Deadline Bullets): 20 to 40 lb/A; REI 12h, Bee: L. Soil surface treatment broadcast pre-planting, or band treatment between rows after formation of edible parts. Apply to moist soil in the evening. Do not apply directly to or contaminate edible portions of plants.

Whiteflies

For more information see whiteflies in the Tomato section.

Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (GrandevoOG): 2 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group UN.

flupyradifurone (Sivanto): 10.5 to 14 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 4D.

gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.54 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Suppression only.

imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 1.2 oz/A for foliar application, 4.4 to 10.5 oz/A for soil application; PHI 7d foliar, PHI 125d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.

novaluron (Rimon 0.83EC): 12 oz/A; PHI 14d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 16B. Most effective on immature stages.

petroleum oil (Suffoil XOG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply as needed.

pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.

spiromesifen (Oberon 2SC): 8 to 16 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 23. Immature whiteflies only.

spirotetramat (Movento): 4 to 5 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 24h, Bee: M, Group 23. Must be tank-mixed with a spray adjuvant with spreading and penetrating properties to maximize leaf uptake and sytemicity; don't use sticker adjuvants. Controls immature stages; may also reduce adult fertility.

sulfoxaflor (Closer SC): 4.25 to 5.76 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4C. Silverleaf and sweet potato whiteflies only. Foliar applications only.

Wireworms and White Grubs

See the Potato section for more information on wireworms. These root pests are favored by low, heavy soils that have been in sod or pasture.  Delay planting susceptible crops, such as corn, potatoes or sweet potatoes, on such land for at least 2 years after the sod has been broken. 

bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 9.6 to 19.2 oz/A at-plant, for corn and tobacco wireworms only. 3.2 to 9.6 oz/A at cultivation or lay-by, or 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A foliar, for southern potato wireworm only; PHI 21d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. May be applied as soil-incorporated broadcast, bed, or t-band spray into planting furrow or soil-directed and incorporated spray at cultivation or lay-by for wireworms and white grubs. May be applied as foliar spray for click beetle (adult wireworm) and May/June beetles (adult white grubs).

Burkholderia spp. strain A396 (MajesteneOG): 1 to 2 gal/A at planting; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group UN. Apply in furrow at planting or during cultivation. 

ethoprop (Mocap* 15G): 20 to 26 lb/A, or 1.6 to 2.1 lb/1,000 row feet; REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1B. Apply in a 12"-15" wide band, 2 to 3 weeks prior to planting. Mix in top 2" to 4" of soil right after application.

Isaria fumosorosea Apopka Strain 97 (PFR-97 20% WDGOG): 1 to 2 lb/A soil drench; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group UN.