Technical Guide - BASF Versys Insecticide - 220607

1 1 Technical guide

2 Contents Product profile 3 Target pests 3 Crops 3 Mode of action 4 Formulation 5 IPM 6 Resistance management 7 Compatibility 7 Short withholding periods 7 Trial results 8 Application guidelines 10

A major win for vegetable growers Versys® Insecticide gives vegetable and cotton growers an important and advanced new management option for aphids and silverleaf whitefly that will strengthen the whole IPM program.

Versys introduces a very efficient mode of action from a new subgroup that delivers control at low use rates and has less impact on beneficial insects and pollinators.

Adding Versys to the rotation will deliver superior insect control while also helping to maintain the effectiveness of other insecticides.

3 Product profile Mode of action: Group 9D – Pyropenes Formulation: DC – Dispersion Concentrate Adjuvant: Versys contains a built-in adjuvant and can be mixed with an additional surfactant to maximise control of silverleaf whitefly. Compatibility: Versys is compatible with a range of crop protection solutions. See page 7. Rainfastness: Versys is rainfast within 1 hour of application. IPM: Versys is highly compatible with a range of IPM systems and pollinator insects. Pack size: 1L

Use profile Target pests Control: Green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) Cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae) Currant lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) Cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii) Melon aphid (Aphis gossypii)

Suppression: Silverleaf whitefly (SLWF) (Bemisia tabaci Biotype B)

Crops Brassicas, including broccoli, broccolini, Brussels sprouts, cabbages, cauliflower and kohlrabi Leafy brassicas, including bok choy, Chinese cabbage, choy sum, gai lan, kale, leafy mustard, pak choy and rocket Celery Cucurbits, including melons, zucchinis, cucumbers, pumpkins and squash Fruiting vegetables, including capsicum, chillies, eggplants, okra and tomatoes Leafy vegetables, including chard (silver beet), cress and spinach Lettuces, both head and leafy Parsley Potatoes Sweet potatoes Cotton Ginger Ornamentals

Rates Aphids: 100 mL/ha SLWF: 350 mL/ha + 0.2% v/v Hasten Application: In a minimum of 200L water/ha

4 Mode of action Versys has been classified by the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) as the only representative of the newly created subgroup 9D.

The classification is based on Versys having: • A very different molecular structure compared to other Group 9 insecticides. [Diagram showing chemical structures of Versys, pymetrozine, and pyriuquinazon] • A unique binding site compared to other Group 9 insecticides. • Proven efficacy against pests with resistance to pymetrozine, which has a Group 9B mode of action.

Versys acts as a chordotonal organ TRPV channel modulator. Chordotonal organs are stretch sensors that insects rely on for their senses of hearing and balance and which are critical for coordinated movement.

When Versys selectively binds to TRPV channels, it causes the sensors to send continuous chordotonal nerve signals independent of joint movement. The result is that target pests stop feeding in as little as 15 minutes as they become deaf, disoriented and unable to control their legs and antennae. The resulting jittery movements can then create the appearance of ‘dancing’.

Location of chordotonal organs Antennae React to: • Air motion • Gravity • Sound

Joints React to: • Muscle contraction • Movement

5 New formulation technology Versys uses patented BASF polymer chemistry combined with unconventional microemulsion technology to enhance uptake efficiency. That combination means high levels of control can be achieved despite the application of very low levels of active ingredient. The formulation is an interdependent combination of four components that creates larger droplets with excellent penetration of the leaf surface. [Diagram showing components: Micro emulsion, Surfactant, Solubiliser, Penetrating agent]

Reduced spray drift and wastage An exceptionally low percentage of very small droplets in the Versys formulation helps ensure that a higher proportion of the sprayed volume hits the target to minimise wastage and further reduce its environmental impact compared to alternative choices. [Bar chart: % droplets <150 mm for Water, Versys, and spirotetramat]

Translaminar and acropetal mobility Versys has translaminar movement that can help control insects sheltering on the underside of the leaf. It also moves acropetally towards the leaf tip in plants provided: • The water volume is high enough to ensure thorough coverage. • Adjuvants are used when appropriate to improve penetration – especially of waxy leaves. [Diagram showing Versys sprayed on leaf, translaminar activity, and acropetal activity]

6 Versys and IPM Versys has exceptionally low impact on beneficial insects, including pollinators.

Beneficial insects Verysy has been tested and found to have low impact on: Predatory mites: Amblyseius swirskii, Euseius tularensis, Phytoseiulus persimilis Parasitic wasps: Aphidius colemani Green lacewings: Chrysoperla carnea Brown lacewings: Micromus tasmaniae Ladybird beetles: Coccinella septempunctata

Comparative LD50s for bees The data in the table show that Versys is about 8000 times less toxic than Imidacloprid, 300 times less toxic than sulfoxaflor and comparable to spirotetramat.

Source: British Crop Protection Council Pesticide Manual

Versys has been shown to exhibit low negative impact on bee populations, including colony health and development, and has been found to be compatible for use in the presence of many common beneficial arthropods, including predatory mites and parasitic wasps.

7 Resistance management BASF Versys trials have shown no cross-resistance to other insecticides from Group 1 (carbamates and organophosates), Group 2 (synthetic pyrethroids), Group 4A (neonicotinoids) and Group 9B (pymetrozine) where resistance is present.

Like all other insecticides, Versys should be used in rotation with insecticides with other modes of action and should not be used more than 4 times – and not more than 2 times at the higher rate – in a single crop.

Compatibility Versys is compatible with a wide range of crop protection solutions. The listed products have been tested and shown to have physical compatibility with Versys.

For specific advice about other products, please contact a BASF representative.

Short withholding periods

There is no WHP for ornamentals.

• Registered trademark

8 Versys green peach aphid control in broccoli In this trial, Versys provided excellent early control against heavy aphid pressure and was still providing a 76% reduction in aphid numbers compared to the untreated control 3 weeks after the second application. [Line graph: No. of aphids per 10 leaves over time (DAA1 and DAA2)]

Versys silverleaf whitefly (Biotype B) suppression in honeydew melons As this graph shows, Versys can play an important role in the total management program for SLWF. Versys will reduce SLWF numbers while easing resistance pressure on other products and significantly reducing the total chemical load on each crop. [Line graph: No. of nymphs per 10 cm2 over time (DAA2)]

9 Long residual activity Green peach aphids were introduced to treated leaves 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after Versys application at 100 mL/ha in 300 L water to show residual activity. Residual control can be expected to last from 14 to 21 days, depending on the level of insect pressure. [Bar chart: % control over time (1DAA to 21DAA)]

Reduced virus transmission Aphids and SLWF are vectors of damaging viral diseases. Trials have shown that treatment with Versys reduces acquisition of the virus and the insects’ ability to infect plants. This effect is an additional benefit to the control of feeding damage and honeydew secretion that further enhances the impact of controlling aphid and SLWF numbers. Treatment with Versys means there will be far fewer insects present, and those that remain are much less capable of transmitting viruses.

Reduced virus transmission in aphids This trial showed an 41% reduction in virus transmission by aphids. Virus-free aphids were allowed to feed on treated plants infected with turnip yellow virus for 4 hours. They were then transferred to virus-free plant material to feed for 48 hours. The plant material was assessed 4 weeks later for virus transmission. [Bar chart: % transmission for untreated control vs Versys 100 mL/ha] BASF ATAC Laboratory trial, North Carolina USA

10 Application guidelines • As already noted, Versys is ideal for inclusion in IPM programs and fully compatible with the use of beneficial insects. • Do not apply more than 4 Versys sprays per crop, including a maximum of 2 sprays at the higher rate. • Versys can be used over flowering (where applicable) but not while bees are actively foraging. • Versys should be applied when aphids first establish to limit the transmission of viruses. • It is important to monitor pest pressure so that Versys can be applied or re-applied as soon as pest thresholds are reached. • Versys is recommended as the first spray following planting or following seedling treatments or plant drenches for aphid control. • Versys fits well in existing spray programs used as the first application following the use of Imidacloprid or chlorantraniliprole | thiamethoxam seed treatments or plant drenches, followed by applications of Spirotetramat at head closure in leafy vegetables. • Two applications of Versys are needed to maintain suppression of SLWF (Biotype B) populations. • Versys is also suitable for multiple use in fruiting crops over flowering through to harvest.

Brassicas Versys is recommended as the first spray 4–6 weeks after the use of a seed treatment or plant drench, once control has declined. Further sprays can then be used up to 1 day before harvesting. [Diagram: Growth stage timeline]

Leafy vegetables Versys is recommended as the first spray 4–6 weeks after the use of a seed treatment or plant drench, once control has declined. Further sprays can then be used up to 1 day before harvesting. [Diagram: Growth stage timeline]

11 Cucurbits Versys is recommended as the first spray 4–6 weeks after the use of a seed treatment or plant drenching, once control has declined. When aphids are present, it should be used early to minimise virus transmission. Versys is also recommended for use over flowering – but not when bees are actively foraging – to maximise bee pollination and subsequent fruit set. Its short withholding period makes Versys particularly suitable for use during fruiting in crops with multiple picking times. [Diagram: Growth stage timeline]

Fruiting vegetables Versys is recommended as the first spray 4–6 weeks after the use of a seed treatment or plant drenching, once control has declined. Versys can also be used over flowering – but not when bees are actively foraging – to maximise bee pollination and subsequent fruit set. Its short withholding period makes Versys particularly suitable for use during fruiting in crops with multiple picking times. [Diagram: Growth stage timeline]

Potatoes Versys is recommended as the first spray 4–6 weeks after the use of a seed treatment or in-furrow treatment, once control has declined. When aphids are present, it should be used early to minimise virus transmission. [Diagram: Growth stage timeline]

12 Key Versys advantages ✓ New mode of action subcategory to help manage resistance ✓ Low impact on beneficial insects and pollinator insects such as bees ✓ Rapid feeding cessation to minimise virus transmission ✓ Affects all aphid life stages from eggs to adults ✓ Short WHPs for late control – 1 day in most vegetable crops, 7 days for potatoes, sweet potatoes, ginger and cotton, and 0 days for ornamentals ✓ High levels of residual control for up to 21 days

Resistance management Versys is in a new chemical subclass and has been classified as a Group 9D insecticide for resistance management. No more than 4 Versys sprays – with a maximum of 2 sprays at the higher rate – should be applied per crop. Versys should always be used in rotation with insecticides with different modes of action.

For more information, visit or contact your local BASF representative ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. © Copyright BASF 2018 ® Registered trademark of BASF W219454 05.2018