Source: J. Chaput, OMAFRA, Minor Use Coordinator, Guelph, October 2012

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of the 2nd Canadian minor use label expansion for brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) for CLUTCH^TM 50 WDG insecticide (clothianidin) for suppression of BMSB on pome fruit, stone fruit and grapes in Canada. CLUTCH^TM was already labeled for management of a variety of insect pests on several crops in Canada.

This minor use submission for BMSB was sponsored in 2011 by the minor use office of OMAFRA in response to the urgent threat posed to agriculture by this new invasive pest and minor use priorities identified by producers and extension personnel in Canada.

BMSB has a very wide host range (over 300 known plant species) including many important agricultural crops such as tree fruit, berries, vegetables, corn, cereal grains, ornamentals and many others. Damage from BMSB has been extensive in many areas of the U.S. in recent years and crop losses have been severe.

Management of BMSB is very difficult and a significant research effort is underway to determine the best combination of integrated management strategies. Although the use of insecticides such as ClutchTM can help to reduce BMSB populations and damage in some crops, the longer term approach will require a robust combination of pest management strategies. For more information about BMSB visit: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/insects/bmsb-resources.html.

The following is provided as an abbreviated, general outline only. Users should consult the complete label before using ClutchTM insecticide for BMSB.

ClutchTM insecticide should be used in an integrated pest management program and in rotation with other management strategies. Follow all other precautions and directions for use on the ClutchTM insecticide label.

We wish to acknowledge the personnel of Valent Canada Inc. for their support of this registration and the personnel of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency for evaluating and approving this important pest management tool.

For copies of the new supplemental label, contact Hannah Fraser, OMAFRA, Vineland (905) 562-1674, Jim Chaput, OMAFRA, Guelph (519) 826-3539 or visit the Valent Canada website at www.valent.ca .