A new Emergency Authorisation (EA) for the use of the Syngenta insecticide, Acelepryn, has been approved to target leatherjackets for the 2021 season.
The EA permits use of Acelepryn on affected greens, tees and fairways, along with horse race courses, training gallops and airfields. This season, the treatment period for leatherjackets is permitted up until 29 November 2021.
“The extended application period does allow a longer window of treatment to target larvae activity from later hatching crane fly at the most appropriate timing,” according to ICL Technical Manager, Henry Bechelet, who applied for the Emergency Authorisation on behalf of the industry.
New Syngenta research has been investigating the optimum application timing in challenging situations, particularly where larvae activity may be occurring later in the season. It has also looked at the role of integrated measures to mitigate against leatherjacket damage, including adapting aeration and renovation strategies.
Leatherjackets cause damage to turf through feeding on roots and leaves – typically resulting in pock-marked and uneven surfaces, which can be severe in localised patches, Mr Bechelet pointed out. Racecourses and horse gallops are especially prone to surface instability where root damage is caused by soil pests.
Furthermore, extensive damage can occur in all turf surfaces when badgers, birds and other foragers root through turf in search of leatherjackets. Flocks of birds attracted to feed on larvae are of particular concern on airfields.
Leatherjackets are the larvae of crane fly (daddy longs legs). Adults typically emerge from July, although hatching may be extended into the autumn depending on weather conditions.
“The extension of use to the end of November could prove extremely useful to target later emerging leatherjackets,” he added. Mr Bechelet reminded turf managers and agronomists that all orders must be received by ICL in time to to enable necessary stewardship records and delivery
Acelepryn users can submit online stewardship records of areas treated, via the ICL website.
The new leatherjacket EA supplements the chafer grub specific authorisation announced in earlier this year.
Syngenta Technical Manager, Glenn Kirby, advised the best results have been achieved with applications when young leatherjackets, at the 1st and 2nd instar stages, are actively feeding near the soil surface.
“It’s important to apply at higher water volumes, using the white O8 XC Nozzle to target the spray through to the soil surface,” he advised. “Irrigation where possible will help to move the spray into the target zone.”
The authorised label permits application at the rate of 0.6 litres per hectare, applied in 500-1000 l/ha water. Only one application per year is permitted on any given area.
Greenkeepers and turf managers are urged to report sightings of crane fly activity through the on-line Pest Tracker. The aim is to build a picture of pest activity across the UK and Ireland, to anticipate issues and aid application timing. Further information and pest identification guide is available on the Syngenta Turf UK website.