The Georgia Department of Agriculture recently approved a Special Local Need (24c) label for the insecticide Vertento (Isocycloseram) for rootworm management in peanut in Georgia. The 24c label allows Vertento to be applied in-furrow at planting. University of Georgia trials over multiple years at the Southwest Research and Education Center in Plains, GA showed that in-furrow, at-plant applications of the active ingredient in Vertento consistently reduced pod injury caused by rootworm larvae.
Vertento can also be applied through center pivot irrigation systems for rootworm management in peanut. This use pattern has been very effective at reducing rootworm injury in our research trials. Growers who choose chemigation rather than, or in addition to, an at-plant application need to ensure irrigation systems are set up appropriately. Information regarding the design, function, and management of irrigation systems for chemigation can be found at the following link: Chemigation in Georgia.
There is still a lot to learn about managing rootworm with Vertento, but getting the active ingredient into the soil where the pest lives is important. We have not tested every possible use pattern nor have we conducted trials in multiple environments, but I have enough data to be confident in Vertento’s efficacy against rootworm when used in-furrow at-plant and when properly applied in irrigation water. Some growers have asked about making a foliar application and immediately turning on the pivot to try and wash the insecticide to the soil. One of the characteristics of the active ingredient in Vertento is that it stays where you put it. It does not readily leach out of the soil, and it does not readily wash off the plant. I strongly recommend that growers stick with the use patterns that have been tested and shown to be effective; those use patterns are in-furrow at-plant and chemigation. As with all pesticides, users should read and follow label instructions (Click to view 24c label).
If you have questions regarding the use of Vertento in peanut for rootworm please contact your local UGA county Extension agent.
