Clothianidin is a neonicotinoid insecticide that was synthesized in Japan by Takeda Chemical and is being developed in the U.S. by Arvesta Corporation. EPA granted clothianidin an organophosphate replacement status in turf and ornamentals. Biological performance and phytotoxic potential of clothianidin were evaluated in turf field trials at rates of 0.2 to 0.4 lb ai/A (0.22 to 0.44 Kg active ingredient/hectare). Results illustrate that clothianidin is active against numerous species of turf grubs including Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica), Southern masked chafer (Cyclocephala immaculate), Green June beetle (Cotinis nitida) and European chafer (Rhizotrogus majali). Control of Tawny mole cricket (Scapteriscus vicinus), Southern mole cricket (Scapteriscus acletus), Chinch bug (Blissus leucopterus hirtus), Sod webworm (Parapediasia spp.) Billbug (Sphenophorus spp.), Black cutworm (Agriotis ipsilon), and Red imported fire ant (Solenopsis ipsilon) have also been demonstrated. Clothianidin was not phytotoxic to turf cultivars tested. Clothianidin will be marketed in turf under the trade name Arena^TM. Clothianidin was also tested against various pests on ornamental plants. Results illustrate that clothianidin is active against Potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae), Green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), Foxglove aphid (Aulacorthum solani), Silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia argentifolia), and Citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri). There was no evidence of phytotoxicity on ornamentals tested at label rates. The trade name in ornamentals is pending.

Details of the trial results and an update on the regulatory status of these products will be provided.