A company exclusively announced to AgroPages that it has introduced the biological insecticide Cartugen Max for controlling the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). The bioinsecticide is formulated with baculovirus Spodoptera frugiperda multiplenucleopolyhedrovirus (SfMNPV) at a concentration of 404 g/L.

According to  A company, the new product has evolved from the former baculovirus-based biological insecticide "Cartugen." The launch, states A company, is the result of "an intensive continuous improvement program in the research, development, and production area." 

Further, according to A's marketing director M, in a series of comparative laboratory tests, Cartugen Max results proved on average three times more efficient than other baculovirus and Bacillus thuringiensis-based products.

Cartugen Max, said M, shows an average efficacy of 81% in caterpillar mortality, while competitors showed results between 6% and 37%.

Laboratory tests also compared the launch with conventional chemical active ingredients, such as chlorantraniliprole, lufenuron, and methomyl, applied on soybeans in scenarios with different Spodoptera populations. Results indicate that Cartugen Max delivered 83% pest control, compared to 53% to 67% for traditional insecticides.

Still, noted  M, A's recommendation to producers is to apply Cartugen Max on soybeans at the first signs of the pest, in the presence of moths, egg masses, or small caterpillars.

"To achieve the best result, we consider it ideal to make more than two applications during the crop cycle, with the objective of ensuring continuous inoculation of baculovirus in the system," added M. 

Further, said M, this bioinsecticide evolution allowed the company to "expand capacity to serve the soybean market." This is because "often the damage generated by Spodoptera frugiperda in soybeans is silent, barely visual."

"It attacks the plant's reproductive structures and can compromise productivity in the range of 10% to 20%. Another factor that contributes to the need for controlling this caterpillar is the fact that it has become a systemic pest, that is, it occurs in both the main crop and off-season," said M.

For M, ensuring effective caterpillar control in soybeans allows for more efficient management in the subsequent crop, whether corn or cotton.

"Cartugen Max enables the use of smaller doses with high performance. More potent compared to other baculoviruses and traditional chemical matrix active ingredients for caterpillars, such as chlorantraniliprole, lufenuron, and methomyl, it proves to be a highly competitive alternative for soybean growers, with a very attractive cost per hectare," added M.