Two Seasons of Grub Control

Japanese Beetles turn into pupa in June and then emerge from the soil in late June and July to mate and lay eggs.  Eggs hatch in July and become full-grown adults by August.  EC Grow offers two different preventative grub control products for turfgrass application: Chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn®) and Imidacloprid (Merit® or post-patent).  While both products offer season-long grub control, application timing is critical to achieve desired results and break the grub lifecycle.

Chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn) Gets Applied Early

For Acelepryn to be the most effective, application in April or May is recommended.  Turf dissipation studies indicate that it takes 90 days for the chemical to move through the thatch and reach the max level in the soil.  Applications made as late as June require watering in thoroughly to ensure movement into the soil.

Application Rate: 150-300 lbs/acre (0.1 lb. AI/A recommended)

Mode of Action: Ryanodine receptor modulator.  Disruption in normal muscle contraction and ultimately resulting in paralysis and death

Key Benefits:

• Low AI/Acre
• Low water solubility
• Reduced risk pesticide
• Listed surface-feeder control

Apply Imidacloprid In The Summer

The general consensus for imidacloprid application timing would be late-May through early August.  High levels of control can be achieved when applications are made preceding or during the egg-laying period.  Follow application with adequate irrigation (or rainfall) to move the chemical through the thatch (approximately .25 inches).

Application Rate: 150-200 lbs/acre (0.4 lb. AI/A recommended)

Mode of Action: Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.  Attacks the central nervous system resulting in paralysis and death

Key Benefits:

• Leading T&O insecticide
• Broad-spectrum insecticide
• Long application window