“Growers need as many tools as possible to control citrus leafminer,” says John Jackson, director of the Florida Citrus Industry Research Coordinating Council.

“Researchers have found that Intrepid 2F is very effective against leafminer without having a negative impact on beneficials.”

The importance of controlling citrus leafminer, which acts as a vector for citrus canker, became increasingly evident last year.

Citrus canker makes fruit unsuitable for sale and can result in yield reductions of up to 10 per cent — and monetary losses of approximately $369 million.

“Citrus leafminer greatly exacerbates citrus canker,” Jackson says.

“By controlling citrus leafminer, growers can really minimise the impact of citrus canker.”

Dow says trials conducted in Lake Alfred, Fla., showed Intrepid 2F to be effective against this costly pest.

In 2009, zero citrus leafminer larvae were present 14 days after an airblast application of Intrepid 2F.

Untreated trees averaged 18.8 citrus leafminer larvae per 10 flushes.

Delegate WG insecticide, a Group 5 insecticide, and Intrepid 2F, a Group 18 insecticide, provide two excellent options against citrus leafminer.

Rotating the distinct chemistries of both products limits the effectiveness of harmful insects and makes it difficult for these pests to develop resistance to either insecticide.

“Having different chemistries available to growers minimizes the likelihood of insecticide resistance,” Jackson says.

“It increases the ability of the grower to implement an effective pest management program.”