The role of DuPont Cyazypyr ™ in reducing insect-transmitted plant diseases

Plant diseases transmitted by insects are currently causing severe yield and quality declines in multiple crops resulting in significant economic losses to growers. Insecticides are an important component in the management of insect-vectored diseases in agricultural systems. However, while most insecticides provide good to excellent control of the insects that vector plant diseases when applied correctly, they do not reduce disease transmission to satisfactory economic levels. Cyazypyr™ (DPX-HGW86, cyantraniliprole), is a novel cross-spectrum second generation anthranilic diamide insecticide that was discovered by the DuPont Company, and is currently being commercialized for use in agricultural crop management systems and other pest management systems. Cyazypyr™ is the third molecule in the diamide class of chemistry to be commercialized, but the first with significant efficacy and control of chewing and sucking pests. It exhibits a novel mode of action, by selectively activating the ryanodine receptor in insect muscles, resulting in rapid cessation of feeding and consequently reducing the capability to vector plant diseases. The effects of Cyazypyr™ on viral and bacterial diseases transmitted by several species of whiteflies, psyllids, thrips and aphids will be discussed.