New mode of action to manage Corn Ear Worm infestations.

November 20, 2018

New Mode of Action for Corn Earworm in Sweet Corn crops.

HELICOVEX added to growing list of biological controls from Sylvar Technologies Inc.

Sylvar Technologies Inc would like to introduce Canadian Sweet Corn Growers to a new mode of action in their quest to control Corn Earworm.

Corn Earworm can be a very destructive pest arriving to grower’s fields from midsummer to fall. Growers will often combat multiple generations of this pest in a growing season based on multiple planting dates. After adult moth lay eggs, the hatched larva feed on the silks and move to the ear throughout their instar stages.

Helicovex is a baculovirus, a naturally occurring virus that is lethal to corn ear worm larva. Helicovex baculovirus (HearNPV) infects and kills Corn Earworm larva before they can inflict serious damage on a crop. Helicovex targets only Corn Earworm and is safe on beneficial insects and pollinators in the crop. Infection of the larva is from ingestion of Helicovex. Ingested virus particles multiply inside the larval body causing death. The dead larva is liquified and releases more of the infectious virus particles into the Corn Earworm population.

Helicovex is residue-free and provides a unique mode of action that can be used as a tank mix or rotational partner and complements your planned IRM[LF1] [CS2] [CS3] [CS4] program. The formulation of Helicovex is highly compatible with nearly all insecticide or fungicide products currently utilized by growers. Colin Smith, Product & Market Development Agronomist says, “The addition of Helicovex to the grower’s toolbox offers growers a new mode of action to combat potential resistance to conventional products. It can be tank mixed or applied alone providing more options for growers”.

Sylvar Technologies Inc is a member of Andermatt Biocontrol, a leading developer of biological solutions globally. Based in New Brunswick, Sylvar is actively developing biological products for insect and disease control in agriculture and forestry markets.

For additional information on Helicovex and its’ unique mode of action please contact

SYLVAR Technologies Inc. Colin Smith

1350 Regent Street Market & Product Development Agronomist

Fredericton, N.B. Csmith@sylvar.ca

506-444-5609 Mobile: 519-373-6520

www.sylvar.ca