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Syngenta News: Grasshopper Populations Rising in Northern Plains, Pacific Northwest

7/20/2010

  • APHIS predicts grasshopper densities of more than eight grasshoppers per square yard
  • Syngenta recommends Warrior II with Zeon Technology® insecticide to manage infestations
  • Grasshoppers capable of destroying thousands of acres of green vegetation, including rangeland and cropland
 
Greensboro, NC, USA, July 20, 2010 - Due in part to the high numbers of grasshoppers last summer combined with the mild winter, growers in the Northern Plains and Pacific Northwest are beginning to see an increase in numbers of grasshoppers that have potential to cause significant damage to their cropland.
 
“As grasshopper populations continue to rise, insecticides are a valuable management component to protect vulnerable wheat and barley crops,” said Roy Boykin, Syngenta insecticide technical brand manager. “Warrior II with Zeon Technology has been proven to significantly reduce the impact of insects, including grasshoppers, by delivering quick pest knockdown and long-lasting control.”
 
Farmers and ranchers can track the status of grasshopper populations through an interactive map on the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) site. Scientists have been on alert following the release of the APHIS 2010 Grasshopper Forecast, which reported that unusually high populations of adult grasshoppers in late summer indicated the likelihood of a large number of eggs being laid. Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming are expected to be hardest hit, but states in the Pacific Northwest are also on alert.
 
“In Washington, 451,000 acres of land had a grasshopper density higher than eight grasshoppers per square yard in 2009, up from 67,000 acres in 2006,” said Richard Zack, associate professor of entomology at Washington State University. “We’ve been preparing for the worst grasshopper infestation in 30 years.”
 
Large populations of grasshoppers are a significant threat because they can eat half of their own body weight in a single day. They can also use wind currents to travel 30 to 50 miles per day in search of food according to research done by the United States Department of Agriculture. Last year grasshoppers accounted for around 7,000 square acres of lost grassland in southeastern Oregon, an area not accustomed to high infestation.
 
By using tools like the APHIS monitoring system, scouting and applying Warrior II with Zeon Technology when grasshoppers reach threshold levels, wheat and barely growers can protect their crops from these voracious feeders.
 
Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 25,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers, we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. For more information about us please go to www.syngenta.com.
 
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Media contacts:
Katie Klaas
Gibbs and Soell Public Relations
 
Wendell Calhoun
Syngenta Crop Protection
 
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Warrior II with Zeon Technology is a Restricted Use Pesticide. Warrior II with Zeon Technology is highly toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment on blooming crops and weeds. Do not apply this product or allow to drift onto blooming plants while bees are adjacent to the treatment area. Warrior II with Zeon Technology® and the Syngenta logo are registered trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.
 
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