PROVADO 1.6F Insecticide Available to Control Citrus Greening Vector

FIFRA 2(ee) recommendation provides another option to stop Asian citrus psyllid in mature citrus

Research Triangle Park, NC (February 27, 2006) – Florida citrus growers have another highly effective management tool for the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri), thanks to a new label recommendation from Bayer CropScience.

PROVADO® 1.6 Flowable Insecticide is now available through a FIFRA 2(ee) recommendation to control Asian citrus psyllid, the insect vector of the Citrus Greening disease recently identified in Florida citrus groves.

By law, applicators are required to have a copy of the label recommendation in-hand at time of application.

“Citrus growers depend on PROVADO for consistent and reliable insect control year after year,” says Product Development Manager John Bell. “The new 2(ee) recommendation for Asian citrus psyllid gives Florida citrus growers another key tool for managing the pest known to spread the bacterium that causes Citrus Greening disease.”

PROVADO, one of just six materials registered for control of the Asian citrus psyllid, will fit ideally in bare-root nurseries and mature groves, according to Bell.

“Application rates range from 10 to 20 fluid ounces per acre, depending on tree size, with a seasonal maximum of 40 fluid ounces,” he says. “For resistance management purposes, Bayer CropScience recommends a block of up to 3 PROVADO applications, applied at least 10 days apart, then rotating to an alternative chemistry.”

PROVADO delivers quick knockdown and excellent broad-spectrum control of aphids, leafhoppers and leafminers, and now the Asian citrus psyllid. Although a broad-spectrum material, PROVADO is highly selective for target pests, making it ideal for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems. And a short 12-hour restricted entry interval (REI) and 0-day pre-harvest interval (PHI) in citrus allow for flexible application timing.

For additional information, please consult your local retailer or visit the Bayer CropScience Web site at www.BayerCropSoutheast.com.

Contact:

Rob Schwehr

Bayer CropScience

919-549-2000

Rob.Schwehr@bayercropscience.com

Mark Ingbritson

Rhea & Kaiser Marketing Communications

630-955-6654

Mark_Ingbritson@rkconnect.com