AvatarPlant Protection Product ComparisonPlant Protection Product ComparisonReport inaccuraciesReport inaccuracies

GROUP 22A INSECTICIDE

For the control of Lepidopteran species of insect pests in certain vegetable and fruit crops, as per the Directions for Use table

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
DuPont Avatar insecticide has been specifically designed for use in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) schemes. DuPont Avatar is an oxadiazine insecticide in the form of a water dispersible granule. DuPont Avatar is particularly active on Lepidopteran insect pests, primarily as a larvicide. Before application monitor insect populations to determine whether or not there is a need for application of Avatar® based on locally determined economic thresholds. More than one treatment of DuPont Avatar may be required to control a population of pests.

INSECTICIDE RESISTANCE WARNING
For insecticide resistance management DuPont Avatar is a Group 22A insecticide. Some naturally occurring insect biotypes resistant to DuPont Avatar and other Group 22A insecticides may exist through normal genetic variability in any insect population. The resistant individuals can eventually dominate the insect population if DuPont Avatar or other Group 22A insecticides are used repeatedly. The effectiveness of Avatar on resistant individuals could be significantly reduced. Since the occurrence of resistant individuals is difficult to detect prior to use DuPont accepts no liability for any losses that may result from the failure of DuPont Avatar to control resistant insects.
DuPont Avatar may be subject to specific resistance management strategies. To help prevent the development of resistance to Avatar insecticide, use DuPont Avatar in accordance with the current Insecticide Resistance Management (IRM) strategy for your region.
For further information contact your local supplier DuPont representative or local department agronomist.

PRODUCT USE
Mixing
Always add dry DuPont Avatar to water in tank. DO NOT premix or slurry. With the exception of products in water soluble bags, Avatar must be in suspension in the tank before adding companion products or surfactant.
Fill spray tank to ¼ to ½ full of water. Measure the amount of Avatar® insecticide required for the area to be sprayed. Add Avatar insecticide directly to the spray tank with the agitation engaged. Mix thoroughly to disperse the insecticide. Once dispersed, the material must be kept in suspension at all times by continuous agitation. Use mechanical or hydraulic means, DO NOT use air agitation, premix or slurry.
If spray solution is left standing, ensure thorough reagitation of the spray mix until fully resuspended. DO NOT allow spray mix to sit overnight, as resuspension may be difficult.

Surfactant/Wetting agent
Apricots, Apples, Capsicum, Eggplant, Grapes, Leafy vegetables, Nashi pears, Nectarines, Peaches, Pears, Peppers, Plum, Tomatoes: use a non-ionic surfactant/wetting agent at 15 g active/100 L, (e.g. Agral
600 @ 25 mL/100 L or Citowett
@15 mL/100 L).
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower: use a non-ionic surfactant/wetting agent at 75 g active/100 L, (e.g. Agral
600 @ 125 mL/100 L or Citowett
@ 75 mL/100 L).

DO NOT add a non-ionic surfactant/wetting agent if:
- mixing with another product which already contains a surfactant and/or the product label advises not to add a surfactant.
- mixing with a liquid fertiliser DO NOT use BS1000
or Activator-90
as it may cause crop phytotoxicity.

APPLICATION
Minimising Spray Drift
The interaction of many equipment and weather-related factors determines the potential for spray drift. The applicator must consider all these factors when making application decisions.
The most effective way to reduce drift potential is to apply large droplets (volume mean diameter (VMD) > 150 - 200 microns). The best drift management strategy is to apply the largest droplets that provide sufficient coverage and control. APPLYING LARGER DROPLETS REDUCES DRIFT POTENTIAL, BUT WILL NOT MINIMISE DRIFT IF APPLICATIONS ARE MADE IMPROPERLY OR UNDER UNFAVOURABLE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS. When making applications in hot and dry conditions, set up equipment to produce larger droplets to reduce effects of evaporation.

Dilute spraying
- Use a sprayer designed to apply high volumes of water up to the point of run-off and matched to the crop being sprayed.
- Set up and operate the sprayer to achieve even coverage throughout the crop canopy. Apply sufficient water to cover the crop to the point of run-off. Avoid excessive run-off.
- The required volume may be determined by applying different test volumes, using different settings on the sprayer, from industry guidelines or expert advice.
- Add the amount of product specified in the Directions for Use table for each 100 L of water. Spray to the point of run-off.
- The required dilute spray volume will change and the sprayer set up and operation may also need to be changed, as the crop grows.

Concentrate spraying
- Use a sprayer designed and set up for concentrate spraying (that is a sprayer which applies water volumes less than those required to reach the point of run off) and matched to the crop being sprayed.
- Set up and operate the sprayer to achieve even coverage throughout the crop canopy using your chosen water volume.
- Determine an appropriate dilute spray volume (See Dilute Spraying above) for the crop canopy. This is needed to calculate the concentrate mixing rate. The mixing rate for concentrate spraying can then be calculated in the following way:
EXAMPLE ONLY
1. Dilute spray as determined above: For example 1,500 L /ha
2. Your chosen concentrate spray volume: For example 500 L/ha
3. The concentration factor in this example is 3X (i.e 1,500 L ÷ 500 L = 3)
4. If the dilute label rate is 25 g/100 L, then the concentrate rate becomes 3 x 25 , that is 75 g/100 L of concentrate spray.
- The chosen spray volume, amount of product per 100 L of water, and the sprayer set up and operation may need to be changed as the crop grows.
- For further information on concentrate spraying, users are advised to consult relevant industry guidelines, undertake appropriate competency training and follow industry Best Practices.

Ground application
Use a boom sprayer fitted with high flow rate nozzles to apply the highest practical spray volume. Nozzles with higher rated flows produce larger droplets. Use the lower spray pressures recommended for the nozzle. Higher pressure reduces droplet size, DOES NOT improve canopy penetration and may increase drift potential. WHEN HIGHER FLOW RATES ARE NEEDED, USE A HIGHER-CAPACITY NOZZLE INSTEAD OF INCREASING PRESSURE. Use a nozzle type that is designed for the intended application. With most nozzle types, narrower spray angles produce larger droplets. Consider using lowdrift nozzles. When applying Avatar® insecticide by ground application, keep the boom low to avoid spray drift. For orchard/vineyard sprayers avoid directing spray above trees and always turn-off outward pointing nozzles at row ends and outer rows.

Compatibility
Since formulations may be changed and new ones introduced, it is recommended that users premix a small quantity of the desired tank mix and observe possible adverse changes (settling out, flocculation etc). Avoid complex tank mixtures of several products or very concentrated spray mixtures. Avatar® insecticide is compatible with Captan
, Dextrolac
, Delan
, Fulasin
, mancozeb, Omite
, Polyram
and Systhane
. 
The mixing sequence recommended is: water soluble bags, dry flowable or water dispersible granules (Avatar®), wettable powders, water based suspension concentrates, water soluble concentrates, oil based suspension concentrates, emulsifiable concentrates, adjuvants and surfactants, soluble fertilisers.

Spray Equipment Cleanout
Prior to application, start with clean, well maintained application equipment. Immediately following application, thoroughly clean all spray equipment to reduce risk of forming hardened deposits that might become difficult to remove. Drain spray equipment. Thoroughly rinse sprayer and flush hoses, boom, and nozzles with clean water. Loosen and physically remove all visible deposits. Clean all other associated application equipment.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE
RESTRAINTS
DO NOT apply if rainfall is expected within 2 hours of application.
DO NOT use on container, hydroponic, greenhouse or glasshouse grown crops.
DO NOT apply within 20 m upwind of water bodies.
DO NOT apply by aircraft (tomatoes excepted).
DO NOT apply less than 300 m (aerial application) or 80 m (ground application) upwind of land potentially producing feed for livestock. If the wind direction is at an angle with regard to the field then the in-field buffer must be observed on both upwind sides of the feed producing land.
ENSURE YOU READ THE PROTECTION STATEMENTS BEFORE APPLYING THE PRODUCT.
EXPORT STATEMENT: Import tolerances for produce treated with Avatar® may be pending in some countries. Consult with your exporter or DuPont before applying Avatar® to export crops.

BROCCOLI, BRUSSELS SPROUTS, CABBAGE (CLOSED HEAD VARIETIES ONLY), CAULIFLOWER
Pest: Cabbage white butterfly (Pieris rapae), Cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera), Native budworm (H. punctigera)
Rate: 170 g/ha 

Pest: Cluster caterpillar (Spodoptera litura), Cabbage centre grub (Hellula hydralis), Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) 
Rate: 250 g/ha

Critical Comments: Use in accordance with AIRAC Insecticide Resistance Management Strategy guidelines. Apply as egg and larvae reach threshold numbers. Contact the local Department of Agriculture or consultant for further information on management of Diamondback Moth. Thorough coverage is essential. Adjust water volumes to crop stage (200 – 1000 L/ha). Refer to Surfactant/Wetting agent section. For Cabbage Centre grub time sprays early to ensure larvae are exposed to treatment before they become entrenched in protected feeding sites For best results, it is recommended that up to 3 applications of Avatar® insecticide be made sequentially as thresholds dictate. A maximum of 4 applications can be made to any one crop. DO NOT retreat within seven (7) days. Further treatments should be made with alternative mode of action insecticides. 

LEAFY VEGETABLES
Chicory, Cress, Endive, Fennel, Kale, Lettuce: closed head and leafy varieties; Mustard, Silverbeet, Spinach, and Chinese leafy vegetables: Bok choy, Choy sum, Chinese cabbage
Pest: Cotton bollworm (H. armigera), Native budworm (H. punctigera) 
Rate: 170 g/ha

CAPSICUM, EGGPLANT, PEPPERS, TOMATO (TRELLIS AND FIELD)
Pest: Cotton Bollworm (H. armigera), Native Budworm (H. punctigera) 
Rate: 170 or 250 g/ha or 17 g/100 L dilutE

Pest: Potato moth (Tomato leaf miner) (Phthorimaea operculella)
Rate: 170 g/ha or 17 g/100 L dilute

Critical Comments: 
FOR ALL CROPS
Regularly scout crops to monitor for eggs and larvae. Target sprays against eggs and newly hatched larvae before they become entrenched.
Use enough water to ensure thorough coverage of the crop. Adjust water volumes to crop stage (200 – 1,000 L/ha). Refer to Surfactant/Wetting agent section.
Apply a maximum of 3 applications to any one crop. DO NOT retreat within seven (7) days. Further treatments should be made with alternative mode of action insecticides.
As part of an Insecticide Resistance Management programme for cotton bollworm, it is important to plough crops immediately after harvest.
CAPSICUM, EGGPLANT, PEPPERS, TOMATO – Use 250 g/ha during periods of heavy Heliothis pressures or when using aerial application (Tomatoes only).

APPLES, NASHI PEAR, PEARS
Apply by dilute or concentrate spraying equipment. Apply the same total amount of product to the target crop whether applying this product by dilute or concentrate spraying methods. Refer to Application section of the label.
Pest:  Codling moth (Cydia pomonella), Budworms (Helicoverpa spp).
Rate: 
Dilute spraying: 25 g/ 100L water
Concentrate spraying: Refer to Mixing/ Application section
Critical Comments: Thorough fruit coverage is essential. A maximum of 6 applications of Avatar® are to be applied at 10 day intervals commencing at petal fall (or before 80 Degree Days after Codling moth are detected in traps) until late December. Further treatments should be made with alternate mode of action insecticide. The above programme, when commenced at petal fall, will also control budworms.

Pest: Lightbrown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana)
Rate:
Dilute spraying 12.5 g/ 100 L water
Concentrate spraying: Refer to Mixing/ Application section
Critical Comments: Thorough fruit coverage is essential. A maximum of 6 applications of Avatar® are to be applied at 14 day intervals commencing at petal fall or apply at 140 Degree Days after Lightbrown apple moths are detected in traps. Best results are obtained when DuPont™ Avatar® treatments are applied consecutively. Further treatments should be made with alternative mode of action insecticides.

Pest: Weevils: Apple weevil (Otiorhynchus cribicollis), Fuller’s Rose weevil (Asynonychus cervinus), Garden weevil (Phlyctinus callosus)
Rate:
Dilute spraying 12.5 g/ 100 L water
Concentrate spraying: Refer to Mixing/ Application section 
Critical Comments: Monitor weevil emergence. Garden weevil usually emerges late October to late November. Apple weevil and Fuller’s Rose weevil usually emerge late November to late December.
Garden weevil and Apple weevil: Prevent damage by treating early in the stages of emergence.
Fuller’s Rose weevil: Spray after peak weevil emergence when leaf damage is obvious. Thorough coverage is essential. Continue monitoring after spraying. For weevils there is a maximum of 2 applications per season.
DO NOT retreat within ten (10) days. DO NOT use for more than 2 consecutive seasons.

Pest: Wingless grasshopper (Phaulacridium vittatum)
Rate:
Dilute spraying: 25 g/ 100L water
Concentrate spraying: Refer to Mixing/ Application section
Critical Comments: Spray when local thresholds have been reached and damage is being observed. Thorough coverage is essential. DO NOT retreat within ten (10) days.

APRICOT, NECTARINE, PEACHES, PLUMS
Apply by dilute or concentrate spraying equipment. Apply the same total amount of product to the target crop whether applying this product by dilute or concentrate spraying methods. Refer to Application section of the label.
Pest: Budworms (Helicoverpa spp.)
Rate:
Dilute spraying: 25 g/ 100 L water
Concentrate spraying: Refer to Mixing/ Application section
Critical Comments: Target sprays against eggs and newly hatched larvae before they become entrenched. A maximum of 3 applications of Avatar® insecticide is to be applied at 10 day intervals to each crop. Further treatments should be made with alternative mode of action insecticides (non-group 22A). Thorough coverage is essential. Best results are obtained when Avatar® insecticide treatments are applied consecutively. 

Pest: Oriental fruit moth (Grapholita molesta)
Rate:
Dilute spraying: 25 g/ 100 L water
Concentrate spraying: Refer to Mixing/ Application section
Critical Comments: Thorough coverage is essential. When treating the first generation, apply the initial treatment before 110 Degree Days after Oriental fruit moths are detected in traps. A maximum of 3 applications of Avatar® insecticide is to be applied at 10 day intervals to each crop. Target sprays against eggs and newly hatched larvae before they become entrenched. Best results are obtained when Avatar insecticide treatments are applied consecutively. Further treatments should be made with alternative mode of action insecticides.

Pest: Lightbrown apple moth (E. postvittana)
Rate: Dilute spraying: 12.5 g / 100L water Concentrate spraying: Refer to Mixing/ Application section
Critical Comments: Thorough fruit coverage is essential. A maximum of 3 applications of Avatar are to be applied at 14 day intervals commencing at 140 Degree Days after Lightbrown apple moths are detected in traps. Best results are obtained when Avatar insecticide treatments are applied consecutively. Further treatments should be made with alternative mode of action insecticides

Pest: Weevils: Apple weevil (Otiorhynchus cribricollis), Fuller’s Rose weevil (Asynonychus cervinus), Garden weevil (Phlyctinus callosus)
Critical Comments: Monitor weevil emergence. Garden weevil usually emerges late October to late November. Apple weevil and Fuller’s Rose weevil usually emerge late November to late December. Garden weevil and Apple weevil: Prevent damage by treating early in the stages of emergence. Fuller’s Rose weevil: Spray after peak weevil emergence when leaf damage is obvious. Thorough coverage is essential. Continue monitoring after spraying. For weevils there is a maximum of 2 applications per season. Do not retreat within ten (10) days. DO NOT use for more than 2 consecutive seasons. 

Pest: Wingless grasshopper (Phaulacridium vittatum)
Rate:
Dilute spraying: 25 g/ 100L water
Concentrate spraying: Refer to Mixing/ Application section
Critical Comments: Spray when local thresholds have been reached and damage is being observed. Thorough coverage is essential. DO NOT retreat within ten (10) days.

GRAPES
Apply by dilute or concentrate spraying equipment. Apply the same total amount of product to the target crop whether applying this product by dilute or concentrate spraying methods. Refer to Application section of the label.
Pest: European earwig (Forficula uriculari) (suppression only) 
Rate:
Dilute spraying 17 g/ 100L water
Concentrate spraying: Refer to Mixing/Application section
Critical Comments: Only apply treatments if damage is likely to occur. Thorough coverage is essential. Continue monitoring after spraying. DO NOT retreat within ten (10) days. DO NOT apply after pre-bunch closure (growth stage EL31).

Pest: Garden weevil (Phlyctinus callosus)
Rate: 
Dilute spraying 17 g/ 100L water 
Concentrate spraying: Refer to Mixing/Application section
Critical Comments: Monitor weevil emergence. Delay application until damage in the canopy is observed. This is usually late October to late November for garden weevil. Thorough coverage is essential. Continue monitoring after spraying. For Garden weevil there is a maximum of 2 applications per season. DO NOT use for more than 2 consecutive seasons. DO NOT apply after pre-bunch closure (growth stage EL31). 

Pest: Grapevine moth (Phalaenoides glycinae)
Rate:
Dilute spraying 8 g/ 100 L water
Concentrate spraying: Refer to Mixing/Application section
Critical Comments: Spray when local thresholds have been reached. Thorough coverage is essential. DO NOT retreat within ten (10) days. DO NOT apply between pre-bunch closure (growth stage EL31) and harvest. Post harvest infestations can be treated

Pest: Inland katydid (Caedicia simplex
Rate:
Dilute spraying 8 g/ 100 L water
Concentrate spraying: Refer to Mixing/Application section
Critical Comments: Spray when local thresholds have been reached. Thorough coverage is essential. DO NOT retreat within ten (10) days. DO NOT apply between pre-bunch closure (growth stage EL31) and harvest.

Pest: Lightbrown apple moth (E. postvittana)
Rate:
Dilute spraying: 17 g/ 100 L water
Concentrate spraying: Refer to Mixing/ Application sectioN
Critical Comments: Applications to be timed for egg hatch (140 Degree Days after a detected moth flight). Thorough fruit coverage is essential. A maximum of 3 applications of Avatar insecticide to be applied to each crop, with 2 applications at flowering and fruit set (depending on pest pressure as assessed by crop scouting). DO NOT retreat within ten (10) days. A final application may be applied up to bunch closure. DO NOT apply after bunch closure. Further treatments should be made with alternative mode of action insecticides.

Pest: Wingless grasshopper (Phaulacridium vittatum)
Rate:
Dilute spraying: 17 g/ 100 L water
Concentrate spraying: Refer to Mixing/ Application section
Critical Comments: Spray when local thresholds have been reached and damage is being observed. Thorough coverage is essential. DO NOT retreat within ten (10) days. DO NOT apply between pre-bunch closure (growth stage EL31) and harvest.

Concentrated spray: DO NOT apply in volumes less than 400 L/ha. This low water volume is dependent on the suitability of concentrated spray application equipment. More reliable application may be gained through increased water volumes.

NOT TO BE USED FOR ANY PURPOSE OR IN ANY MANNER CONTRARY TO THIS LABEL UNLESS AUTHORISED UNDER APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION.

WITHHOLDING PERIODS
HARVEST
CAPSICUM, EGGPLANT, LEAFY VEGETABLES, PEPPERS, TOMATOES (FIELD AND TRELLIS): DO NOT APPLY LATER THAN 3 DAYS BEFORE HARVEST.
BROCCOLI, BRUSSELS SPROUTS, CABBAGE, CAULIFLOWER: DO NOT APPLY LATER THAN 7 DAYS BEFORE HARVEST.
APRICOT, NECTARINE, PEACH, PLUM: DO NOT APPLY LATER THAN 7 DAYS BEFORE HARVEST.
APPLES, NASHI PEARS, PEARS: DO NOT APPLY LATER THAN 14 DAYS BEFORE HARVEST.
GRAPES: DO NOT APPLY LATER THAN 8 WEEKS BEFORE HARVEST. DO NOT HARVEST TREATED GRAPE LEAVES FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.
GRAZING – ALL TREATED CROPS
DO NOT ALLOW LIVESTOCK TO GRAZE CROPS OR VEGETABLE WASTE (EXCEPT TOMATO POMACE) THAT HAS BEEN TREATED WITH AVATAR INSECTICIDE.

The information set forth herein is furnished free of charge and is based on technical data that DuPont believes to be reliable. It is intended for use by persons having technical skill at their own discretion and risk. DuPont makes no warranties, expressed or implied, and assumes no liability in connection with any of this information. Nothing herein is to be taken as license to operate under or a recommendation to infringe on any patents.