Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is Calantha?

Calantha is an innovative foliar bio-insecticide specifically designed to effectively control Colorado potato beetle (CPB). Developed using groundbreaking RNA technology, the active ingredient in Calantha, ledrpona, is a highly targeted molecule. Once ingested by CPB, it prevents the production of a specific essential protein, ensuring precise pest control. This revolutionary product minimizes the impact on beneficial insects, requires minimal personal protection equipment, has a short re-entry interval, and no pre-harvest interval. Thus, it ensures safety for both applicators and the environment while providing the same level of protection as standard insecticides and safeguarding crop yield.

2) Can Calantha be applied by air?

Calantha offers flexibility in application methods. It has been extensively tested for ground, and aerial (including helicopter), showing equivalent efficacy to industry standards in all tested modes.

3) What is the recommended use rate for Calantha?

Calantha comes in an easy-to-handle liquid formulation with 8 gr ai/L. For optimal results, the recommended application rate is 16 fl oz/acre, with a maximum of 4 applications per season in areas where CPB has more than one generation (e.g., Central Sand in Wisconsin). In regions with less CPB pressure or where only one CPB generation occurs per season and in Suffolk County on Long Island, New York, do not exceed 2 applications per season. Additionally, avoid applying more than 64 fl oz per acre per calendar year.

4) Is Calantha effective in all CPB insect stages?

Calantha must be ingested by CPB to work, making it ineffective against eggs (ovicidal activity). Although some sublethal effect are observed in adult, the product’s optimal performance is seen against small larvae (L1-L2). However, it remains effective against larger larvae as well. As larger larvae are more voracious, it may result in slightly increase foliar damage; however, feeding is expected to cease within 48 hours. The recommended application timing is around 10-50% egg hatch.

5) I have applied the product but still see live insects, why isn’t the product working?

Calantha has to be ingested by the CPB for it to work. Shot hole feeding might be observed from when the beetles receives the initial lethal dose. It takes a couple of days (6-48hrs) for the CPB to stop feeding and they might remain alive up to a week after application (just alive, not feeding). Rest assured that they stop feeding quickly and the defoliation protection is just as good as the standard insecticide. More importantly, Calantha provides excellent yield protection with the added benefits of no detectable residues and outstanding environmental profile.

6) Can Calantha be mixed with other pesticides?

Calantha remains stable in the spray tank within a pH range of 3-11. Extensive tank mix studies have shown its efficacy holds up very well. However, be cautious when using it in combination with Bravo fungicide and Cooper-based wide-spectrum fungicides.

7) Does Calantha need to be applied with an adjuvant?

For the recommended label application rate of 16 fl oz/acre, Calantha does not require an adjuvant. Although latex-based stickers and/or mineral oils might offer a slight boost, they are not mandatory.

8) Does Calantha need special storage conditions?

Calantha does not require any special storage conditions. It can be safely stored at room temperature with shelf stability of two years.