Corn

GENERAL INFORMATION

M-Peril® Bioinsecticide is one of a new class of improved Bt based insecticides from Mycogen for control of European corn borer and southwestern corn borer on field corn, sweet corn, popcorn and seed corn. It delivers the effectiveness of a synthetic insecticide combined with the safety advantages of a biological.

• Greater Persistence: M-Peril utilizes the CellCap® Encapsulation System, a patented process which improves its foliar persistence and field performance. Conventional Bts degrade rapidly on the leaf surface due to adverse effects of sunlight, heat and other environrnental factors. This renders their biotoxin ineffective against feeding larvae. M-Peril uses biological microcapsules to protect the biotoxins from degradation. As a result, M-Peril provides more consistent and improved control of corn borers than traditional Bt products.
• Sand Core Granule: M-Peril is formulated on sand core granules with higher bulk density than the light weight corn grit granules used by other Bt products. Aerial and ground applications of M-Perl result in more precise distribution and less drift. M-Peril is also more free-flowing than corn grit Bts, which eliminates bridging and flowability problems during application. In addition, M-Peril's biotoxin releases and spreads on the corn foliage quicker and more uniformly when wetted than do corn grit formulations. These improved formulation features result in superior application and corn borer control.
• Selective Control: M-Peril's biotoxin kills only the target pest. So unlike broad spectrum synthetic insecticides, M-Peril will not flare Banks grass mites. It is very low in toxicity to applicators and field workers, and nontarget organisms such as wildlife and beneficial insects. Further, M-Peril has no residue and only minimal re-entry restrictions following application.

USE GUIDELINES

• Mode of Action: M-Peril's biotoxin is a potent insect stomach poison, The biotoxin disrupts the digestive system when ingested, resulting in starvation and death after 1-5 days. M-Peril is most effective against young corn borer and armyworm larvae.
• Rates: Apply M-Peril in banded ground applications at the rate of 5-10 pounds per acre (6-12 ounccs per 1000 linear feet) to control European corn borer and southwestern corn borer. Aerial applications should be made at 7-20 pounds per acre. Rates in the higher range should be applied to control southwestern corn borers. Rates of M-Peril should be increased as pest pressure and foliage increase.
• Timing: Time applications to coincide with presence of 1st-3rd instar corn borer larvae.
  • First Generation: Apply granules to foliage targeting the whorl. Apply prior to when larvae begin boring into the stalk.
  • Second Generation: Apply granules by air or with high clearance ground equipment. A second application may be necessary under periods of extended egg deposition.

Calibration: M-Peril's high density sand core formulation flows more quickly and requires different applicator settings than the corn grit formulations used by other Bt insecticides. It is important to carefully calibrate application equipment in order to obtain effective control while avoiding costly over-application. M-Peril calibration tubes should be used to measure and adjust application equipment in order to deliver the desired quantity of M-Peril per acre. Follow these steps to determine correct applicator settings:

            Row          ____Pounds M-Peril/Acre____
            Spacing       5 lbs.   7 lbs.   10 lbs.
            _______(ounces M-Peril/300 row ft.)______
            28"             1.3      1.8       2.6
            30"             1.4      1.9       2.8
            32"             1.5      2.1       2.9
            34"             1.6      2.2       3.1
            36"             1.7      2.3       3.3
            38"            1.75      2.4       3.5
            40"             1.8      2.6       3.7

1. Attach calibration tube to applicator outlet. Air-flow applicators may deliver the M-Peril granules so rapidly that they will bounce out of the tube. This problem can be corrected by using a nylon stocking to catch the granules and then transferring them to the tube.
2. Drive 300 feet at normal application speed.
3. Remove the tube and tap to settle the granules.
4. Read from the side of graduated tubes, or weigh the amount of M-Peril collected (refer to calibration table).
5. Adjust applicator settings and repeat steps 1 -4 as needed to obtain the desired application rate.
6. Check applicator settings against known acreage and make further adjustments as needed.

Equipment Settings: Manufacturers of granular application equipment recommend settings for common granular pesticides. These recommendations are only starting points, because equipment wear and formulation changes can alter the flow rate of any product. Therefore, recalibrate machines at the start of each season, or more often. Suggested settings for some applicators to deliver 5 pounds of M-Peril per acre (6 oz../1000') are listed below:

Applicator              Zero Max.       Gauge           Dial           Tractor
Model                     Setting         Setting         Setting        Speed 
Gandy Orbit Air                7                                               5 mph 
1993 models with 12V                                                       
Stature motor; use black 
metering wheel                8                                               6 mph
John Deere 7000/7100                       5,6, or 7                       5 mph 
John Deere 7200/7300                                     13,14, or 15     5 mph

Valmar Airflow Applicators       Gear Box         Gear Box Ratio       
Setting 
Models 160, 240, 320, PT500,        1A or 1B low            (15T driver x 30T driven) 
1600, 1620, 2420, 3220, 4400 
Models RC1210, 1610              5A low                  (15T driver x 30T driven)
                                2A or 28 medium                (30T driver x 30T driven) 
Model CM1210                  8B ultra-low            (12T driver x 24T driven)
                                lB, 2A, or 2B low      (19T driver x 27T driven)

Eagle Air    Program applicator's computer for M-Peril density of 92 lbs./cu.ft.,
Applicators      refer to calibration conversion chart for application rates. 

Equipment Abrasion: Sand granule pesticides may be somewhat abrasive to equipment, depending on applicator design. A sand.d granule kit is available for John Deere 7000 and 7100 applicators (part #AA32745) which will reduce equipment wear.

EPA Reg. No. 53219-9 2/96