SePRO restricts the use of Hachi-Hachi insecticide on poinsettias with bracts in color

SePRO recently announced that it is voluntarily restricting the use of Hachi-Hachi insecticide on poinsettias with bracts in color. Currently, the Hachi-Hachi label lists poinsettia as an approved crop for application based on trials on a limited number of poinsettia cultivars, with bracts not in color.

The move is based on new findings from trials SePRO initiated with university researchers. Results are showing sensitivities of some colored bracts of poinsettia cultivars at labeled rates of Hachi-Hachi. A label change cannot be made in time to properly distribute this message to growers. The company is working to get this information directly to growers, SePRO distributors, university extension agents, and other industry personnel.

Hachi-Hachi insecticide has been proven effective for Western flower thrips, aphid and other foliar feeding insects. Prior to the product’s launch, SePRO was aware of potential injury to impatiens and New Guinea impatiens. The label restricted use of the product on these crops.

Additionally, through grower trials and internal and external replicated research trials, SePRO discovered that Salvia species and Gypsophilla species can also be injured. SePRO has submitted label changes to EPA restricting use of Hachi-Hachi on these crops.

Additional species were discovered that also had some temporary injury, including ageratum, colocasia, geranium, lobelia, pansy (flowers), verbena and vinca. SePRO noted that, as the label indicates, it is important that growers initiate small scale trials under their local conditions on all crops prior to broad scale use.

Growers can contact SePRO or the local SePRO representative with any additional questions.

Image: Injury to poinsettia bracts following applications of Hachi-Hachi.