Deadzone: A New Tool for Resistance Management in Cotton

Recent studies with a naturally occurring insecticide with a mechanical mode of action to combat resistance to currently used insecticides have shown good control of Tobacco thrips in cotton, Frankinella fusca (Hinds) by Mitchell, et. Al. North Carolina State University 2017 and also American bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera “Hub”, Lygus bug, Lygus spp. and various aphid species on cotton in Uganda by Dennis, National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute 2018. These studies were conducted on replicated small plots and are significant but larger plot investigations were warranted in a process to move toward commercial field use.

In support of that objective a 2019 study in cotton was initiated to test Deadzone^TM versus an industry standard and a combination treatment. Commercial application equipment was used to apply  3 x 12 acre plots to assess industrialization and efficacy on Lygus bug, Lygus herserus, Brown stick bug, Euschistus servus and Cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa zea. Results will be presented indicating significant efficacy was again demonstrated on these insect pests validating Deadzone^TM as a viable material with an alternate mode of control for resistance management in cotton.