POTATOES
M-TRAK BIOINSECTICIDE
Recommendations for Use
For Control of Colorado Potato Beetle Larvae on Potatoes, Tomato and Eggplant
M-Trak bioinsecticide
Effectively controls 1st through early 3rd instar larvae (< 1/4 inch long).
Controls resistant and non-resistant CPB, making it a valuable tool for resistance management programs.
Has longer residual activity.
Has no reentry or preharvest interval restrictions.
Helps produce quality potatoes, tomatoes and eggplant free of chemical pesticide residues.
Does not require special equipment and is easy to spray.
Works with the environment and preserves beneficial insects.
GENERAL INFORMATION
M-Trak is Mycogen's new bioinsecticide for control of Colorado Potato Beetle (CPB) larvae. M-Trak is based on Mycogen's patented CellCap® encapsulation system which improves control by protecting the beetle-active toxin from environmental degradation. M-Trak can be an effective tool against CPB's resistant to synthetic insecticides or as a part of a resistance management program. M-Trak will not disrupt beneficial insects and is essentially non-toxic to workers and the environment.
M-Trak is a unique product and will require some adjustments in application timing and coverage. Follow the steps outlined below to take full advantage of the benefits M-Trak offers your CPB management program.
STEPS FOR SUCCESSFUL RESULTS
Application Timing: Beetle larvae grow quickly from small 1st and 2nd instars that cause little damage to large 3rd and 4th instars that defoliate plants rapidly. Research indicates that, to effectively target small larvae, applications must occur at peak egg hatch or soon after for optimum control. Initial (first application) timing is critical to control larvae when they are small and most sensitive to M-Trak.
COLORADO
POTATO BEETLE
LIFE CYCLE
Egg masses 1st instar 2nd instar Early 3rd Late instars Adult
Clusters of Body color Lighter color, instar Slightly Light yellow
yellow to dark, fatter Larger C-shaped wing covers
orange eggs, orange-red body and than 2nd body, head with 10 black
found on with shiny orange and instar. has only stripes.
undersides of black black head. traces of
leaflets. heads. black.
Prominent
black
abdominal
spots.
L I F E S T A G E S S E N S I T I V E TO M - T R A K
To determine peak egg hatch, collect leaves with the first 10 or more egg masses found in each field and keep them in a container with adequate moisture and at a temperature similar to field conditions. Peak egg hatch occurs when one third or more of the eggs hatch, which should take approximately 4 to 7 days to occur depending on temperature. Begin spraying as soon as eggs hatch to allow for weather delays and to cover all fields before larvae become too large.
Rate: M-Trak is most effective when applied at a 3 qt/A rate. M-Trak is not systemic and lower rates may not provide an effective concentration on all larval feeding areas.
Spray Interval: The CellCap® system helps prolong the activity of M-Trak but new foliage develops quickly and needs additional protection. Spray every 4 to 7 days as needed to control newly hatched larvae.
Spray Coverage: Since M-Trak must be ingested by larvae to be effective, the spray solution must cover all leaf surfaces where larvae feed. Eggs and small larvae are most frequently found on the undersides of leaves. Coverage of the undersides of the leaves is necessary to expose larvae to
M-Trak as soon as they hatch.
Low volume, broadcast applications typically used with synthetic insecticides are not as effective with M-Trak. Hollow cone nozzles that deliver 30 or greater gallons per acre (GPA) and a drop nozzle arrangement with 3 nozzles per row give best results. Drop nozzles are required at low water volumes of 15-30 GPA (see graph below). Remember: Good coverage is essential for M-Trak to work!
Always read and carefully follow all product labels.
M-Trak is a trademark of Mycogen Corporation. M-Trak EPA Reg. No. 53219-2.
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