It specifically targets banana weevil borer in Cavendish and Lady Finger bananas
Registered in August 2020, Vayego Forte has introduced a new insecticide mode of action to the industry, containing 480 g/L of the Group 28 insecticide tetraniliprole in a suspension concentrate formulation. The product brings other significant benefits to the market, including not flaring mites, low application rates and reduced stem splitting.
Specifically targeting banana weevil borer in Cavendish and Lady Finger bananas, Market Development Agronomist with Bayer in North Queensland, Nick Matthews, said Vayego Forte is an important addition to the market.
“Banana weevil borer is a very significant pest if not controlled. Its movement is generally limited but it can move from block to block if conditions are attractive elsewhere or when it’s encouraged to move, for example when a block is knocked out,” Nick said.
“The biggest issue is the adult lays eggs at the base, called the corm, of semi-mature banana plants, and then the larvae burrow in and can cause quite serious tunnelling damage, often causing secondary pest and disease incursions in the corm. This reduces plant growth and structural integrity, which can then cause the plant to fall over, also called roll out. Obviously that plant and the bunch is then lost, leaving gaps in the plantation, which reduces overall productivity.”
“This new product provides growers with an alternative to current registered insecticides, including the mainstay imidacloprid, which has been heavily relied on. This new mode of action will have positive implications for resistance management by utilising an insecticide group that the banana weevil borer has yet to be exposed to”, he added.
