The IRAC Nematode Working Group is the most recently established IRAC team. The initial objectives of the team were to investigate the resistance risk of nematicides and to develop a mode of action classification scheme similar to that available for insecticides and acaricides.

Both these objectives have now been completed with the publication of the Nematicide Resistance Risk Statement at the end of 2018 and more recently the release of the Nematicide MoA Classification and corresponding MoA poster in September 2019

 

CropLife formally confirmed the UPL membership of IRAC International on the 23rd August 2019. With the mergers and acquisitions of various crop protection companies, along with the joining of UPL, this brings the number of IRAC International company members to 11. Good representation across the industry enables IRAC to continue providing a global coordinated response to insect resistance management strategies.

The IRAC Mode of Action App in IOS and Android has been updated to include the latest changes to the MoA Classification (Ver. 9.3, June 2019). This incorporates some additional MoA Groups including bio-insecticides. The update also includes some additional features such as an active ingredient search and links to the latest IRAC News on the IRAC website.

Tetraniliprole, a new anthranilic diamide has been added to Group 28 and Spiropidion has been added to Group 23, Tetronic and Tetramic Acid Derivatives. The MoA Classification, the  MoA poster with the chemical structures and the Website MoA Classification have been updated with the new information.

Fall armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a serious pest in corn, if uncontrolled; this pest can cause a severe damage of the breeding materials of the seed industry at Puerto Rico. One of the tools to manage FAW is the use of insecticides of different modes of action. However, FAW has a tremendous ability to develop resistance. Therefore, monitoring the susceptibility or resistance of FAW to insecticides is critical to establish a successful insecticide resistance management plan (IRM). Monitoring of resistance requires the knowledge of specific methods of insecticide bioassays and analysis of data. Consequently, Michigan State University, IRAC International, and Corteva Agriscience in partnership with PRABIA offered a training course in methods of bioassays for FAW.

The training consisted of classroom training and hands-on laboratory and field experience and reviewed concepts associated with insecticide mode of action and resistance to synthetic compounds.  A review of the theory and practice of laboratory bioassays methods for detection of insecticide resistance including leaf disc (IRAC Method No. 007) and insecticide incorporated diet (IRAC Method No. 020) was performed by the participants. In addition, evaluation of the larval mortality was performed by the participants of this training. Probit procedure from SAS and/or POLO program were used to analyze mortality data of the laboratory bioassays, and results of the data analysis were discussed.

Read the full workshop report

On May 8, the “Meeting of the Vegetable Growers” took place through the Secretariat of Agriculture, Agribusiness, Labor and Development and Municipality of Itapetininga.

The meeting brought together farmers from the region and area technicians to discuss issues related to the control of pests of agricultural importance for cucumber, peppers and tomatoes – mainly addressing tomato moth (Tuta absoluta) and whitefly- (Bemisia tabaci), adequate management, use of chemical products and management of socioeconomic and environmental impacts. Tools and production techniques to empower rural producers were developed for more sustainable production.  IRAC Brazil member, Eng. Agr. Ms. Helvio Campoy, participated as a speaker.

The IRAC Executive approved the MoA classification of Tetraniliprole as a new anthranilic diamide in Group 28 (Ryanodine receptor modulator). The IRAC MoA Classification Scheme will be updated accordingly.

IRAC España has issued an alert warning of resistance of Cydia pomonella to various modes of action in pome fruit trees In recent years. There have been numerous cases of control problems of Carpocapsa (Cydia pomonella) in the Ebro Valley. In addition, an increase in populations of both this species and Grapholita molesta in apple trees, is exacerbating the situation .

On April 4, 2019, IRAC-BR and the Copacol cooperative (Cafelândia-PR) organized the I WORKSHOP ON INSET RESISTANCE MANAGEMENT (MRI) to discuss the validation of regional MRI recommendations. The event brought together experts on insect resistance and the staff of Copacol.

 

Initially the process of evolution of insect resistance to insecticides and Bt plants and MRI strategies was presented and discussed. The IRAC-BR representatives presented the current susceptibility data to insecticides in the main pest species that attack soybean and corn crops, such as: Spodoptera frugiperda, Chrysodeixis includens, Helicoverpa armigera, Euschistus heros and Bemisia tabaci.

For the practical part of the Workshop, the participants were divided into working groups for case studies looking for solutions to regional problems, with a view to MRI. Among the pest insects of regional importance are the management of the brown bug (Euschistus heros), the belly-green bug (Dichelops melacanthus) and the carpiaceous caterpillar (Spodoptera frugiperda). The current management of these species was discussed and how it could be improved, taking into account the production system of the region, in order to delay the evolution of resistance. The possibility of implementing MRI strategies at regional level and monitoring the susceptibility of populations of these sites in partnership with IRAC-BR consultants was also discussed, since Copacol has a large area of coverage in the western region of Paraná. The I Workshop on MRI was very productive, as it allowed discussion on the approach of IRAC-BR with the technical staff of Copacol. on the current management practices of the main soybean and corn pest insects in the western region of Paraná, as well as, what MRI strategies can be put into practice at the regional level to delay the evolution of resistance. IRAC-BR thanks Copacol for the reception and organization of this Workshop.

The Ontario Pest Management Conference (OPMC) Steering Committee commissioned this White Paper as a call to action, to stimulate focused dialogue and set in motion a compelling strategy to proactively engage Canadian agriculture stakeholders in pesticide resistance management (RM).

Its intention is to set out a coherent approach to align Canadian agriculture stakeholders in RM engagement. It is an agenda for renewing government, university, industry and producer investment in a RM framework — to strengthen the commitment, communication and implementation of RM at the farm level. Read the full White Paper.