01 August 2025

Maintaining effective control of heliothis and loopers can prove crucial to the grain quality and yield potential of pulse crops.  

AFFIRM^® is registered for the control of various lepidopteran pests in winter and summer pulses. Belonging to the Group 6 or ‘mectin’ group of insecticides, AFFIRM® is an alternative Mode of Action (MOA) to help prevent the development of resistance when used as part of a rotation.    

“If left uncontrolled, heliothis and loopers have the potential to drastically reduce crop yield and grain quality,” Syngenta Technical Services Lead Ant Mitchell said.   

“AFFIRM^® works differently to other commonly used insecticide modes of action used to manage lepidopteran pests making it an excellent addition to your spray program, while helping to prolong the effectiveness of those other modes of action.”   

“Importantly, it works differently from commonly used Group 3A pyrethoids, Group 22A indoxacarb, and Group 28 diamides.” Mr Mitchell said 

 Being an ovi-larvicidal insecticide, AFFIRM^® is most effective early in the insect’s lifecycle as it controls neonate larvae as they hatch from the egg.  

“Paying attention to egg lay, your application timing is important for effective control. If the larvae have already hatched and are larger than 5mm, a product with an alternate MOA should be used.  Application timing is critical as if this is delayed and larvae sizes increase it will result in less-than-ideal efficacy.”   

Regular crop monitoring is important, and where high egg lays have occurred, the addition of an ovicide is recommended. AFFIRM^® is a true translaminar insecticide that is rapidly absorbed into green foliage, building a reservoir of active ingredient within the leaf that is ingested by the neonates. Being a translaminar insecticide also means AFFIRM^® is rainfast within two hours of application.   

AFFIRM^® is registered for use on key insect pests including heliothis (Helicoverpa armigera and Helicoverpa punctigera), loopers (Thysanoplusia sp.) and diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella). The label includes a rate range of 150-300mL/ha, depending on the degree of pest pressure and desired length of residual control, supporting the economic management of these pests.   

Apply AFFIRM^® at or just prior to the larvae hatching as indicated by egg levels or scouting. The lower rate (150mL/ha) can be used to control larvae when the crop growth stage or insect activity does not favour rapid population increase. The higher rate (300mL/ha) is recommended when insect activity favours rapid population development or where longer residual control is required.    

“Working closely with your agronomist and scouting for these pests is essential to determine your economic threshold for making applications of AFFIRM®,” Mr Mitchell said.   

® Registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. 

*DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this article is intended as a guide only. Information contained in this article has been provided by the manufacturer/ You should not rely on the information in this article, and it should not be considered advice. You should seek professional advice regarding relevant factors specific to your situation. This article does not take into account variable conditions that may impact performance. Always read and follow label directions before using any product in this article. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Nutrien Ag Solutions Limited and its related associated entities will not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by any person arising out of any reliance on any information contained in this article.