FAQs about DiPel
In 1902, Bacillus thuringiensis was first discovered in silkworms by Japanese sericultural engineer Ishiwatari Shigetane.
DiPel contains the bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki ABTS-351 strain, which is a naturally occurring grampositive soil bacterium.
DiPel was registered by the U.S. Enviromental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1971 and is celebrating its 50-year anniversary as a tool growers have depended upon for dependable lepidopteran control.
The DiPel trade name is based upon lepid (lepidoptera insect class) spelled backwards.
DiPel stops caterpillar damage very quickly; larvae will stop feeding within one hour of ingesting a lethal dose of DiPel. DiPel must be applied to the foliar portions of the plant where the insect feeds. Once DiPel is dried on the leaf, it becomes rainfast. When ingested, DiPel cry proteins bind to the midgut of pest larvae and cause cell death, inhibiting further
insect feeding just one hour after a lethal dose.
Yes, DiPel is certified for use in organic crop production systems
No, DiPel is not transgenic or genetically modified
DiPel’s mode of action is categorized by the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) as group 11 – microbial disruptors of insect midgut membranes. DiPel’s multiple Cry proteins provide multiple modes of action in the caterpillar gut, making it a key integrated pest management tool for preventing resistance. DiPel is a great rotational or tank-mix partner to reduce the potential of worms developing resistance to insecticides with other modes of action.
No, DiPel is non-toxic to pollinators and other beneficial insects.
DiPel is produced through fermentation processes that require foodstuffs to grow, primarily soy flour, cornmeal, and corn syrup. Soybeans and corn are crops that can be treated with DiPel, creating a very sustainable and connected system.
Bts are very specific. Whilst they are lethal to target insects they are safe to beneficial insects. This means that natural predators continue to assist in controlling pest populations after spraying. Bts are also safe to the environment.
DiPel has no WHP, no re-entry interval and are non-scheduled non-poisonous products. They are also Australian Organic Registered Farm inputs. This makes them easy to work with and apply as well allowing them to be used right up until harvest.