Syngenta enhances WeevilTrak for ABW management

Syngenta has added several new updates to WeevilTrak, its interactive online monitoring tool for annual bluegrass weevil (ABW) tracking and control recommendations. The enhancements include a research blog updated in real time, new ABW research sites and the addition of Ference insecticide to the Syngenta Optimum Control Strategy.

New WeevilTrak Blog

WeevilTrak gives access to blog posts and emails from researchers a user select throughout the spring and summer. The WeevilTrak Blog will now provide live updates from the field to improve ABW tracking and recommended solutions all season long.

“The variability of ABW, from when they first appear to how they rapidly reproduce, can be frustrating for superintendents trying to control them,” says Mike Agnew, Ph.D., field technical manager with Syngenta. “The WeevilTrak Blog is a valuable new resource that brings live scouting and research to their fingertips. This tool provides superintendents with the latest information from the WeevilTrak researchers on their findings of ABW progressing in the field.”

Expanded Research Sites

WeevilTrak now also delivers a more comprehensive, geographical look at ABW pressure throughout the Northeast United States and in areas where ABW populations are spreading, such as Ohio and North Carolina. Several new golf courses have been added to the existing program for improved tracking accuracy. Two new researchers, Rick Brandenburg, Ph.D., from North Carolina State University and Albert Koppenhöfer, Ph.D., from Rutgers University, have joined the program.

Ference Season-long Control

Registered users will also benefit from the addition of Ference to the Optimum Control Strategy. Applying Ference at 12 fluid ounces per ampere can help provide systemic control of ABW at all larval stages — first through fifth instar — and control asynchronous larvae populations that may be present in the summer generations from June to September. The strategy includes use of Scimitar GC, Acelepryn, Ference and Provaunt insecticides.

“Unfortunately there is not one silver bullet for controlling ABW,” says Pat Willenbrock, insecticide brand manager for Syngenta. “However, with the addition of Ference to the Optimum Control Strategy, superintendents now have a complete program approach for controlling multiple generations of ABW throughout the season.”