A submission for the registration of Altacor X-force is currently before the APVMA for review and is expected to be approved in 2022.

Altacor Insecticide, which contains the active ingredient Rynaxypyr, has been supporting growers dealing with troublesome Lepidopteran pests in orchards for many seasons.

“We are now working on the next stage in the evolution of Rynaxypyr, in the form of Altacor X-Force, a high load water-dispersible granule formulation with a strength of 700 g/kg of active ingredient,” said Leandro Posteraro, FMC strategic product manager. Like its predecessor, he said Altacor X-Force will give growers a critical advantage to stay in front of Lepidopteran pests for years to come.

Altacor X-Force offers the same pest spectrum and activity as Altacor Hort Insecticide but with a much lower use rate. The new formulation offers improved mixing and the same crop safety attributes, at reduced rates and less packaging.

“Growers will spend less time handling and hauling containers to and from the orchard, with less packaging material to be disposed. Overall, Altacor X-Force enhances growers’ productivity whether it’s in the form of time, fuel savings or managing waste,” Mr Posteraro said.

This season, FMC will conduct commercial demonstrations across Australia, focussing on the main crops including apples, pears and almonds. These commercial demonstrations will enable growers to experience Altacor X-Force in action under local conditions.

Pending approval of the registration, FMC anticipates a launch of Altacor X-Force in the spring of 2022, which will be a global first for this improved formulation.

“Once again, FMC will provide growers with a critical new tool and cutting-edge technology for their insect management program, helping them achieve superior control of pests.”