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Bayer launches canola seed treatment against flea beetles

The crop science division of Bayer has announced the registration of Buteo Start, an insecticide seed treatment for canola that provides protection against striped and crucifer flea beetles.

“Flea beetles thrive in dry conditions when plants are struggling to grow, and this can cause major economic damage for canola growers, with yield losses reaching up to 10 per cent^,” says Andrew Chisholm, trait and trait launch manager, Bayer Crop Science. “With Buteo Start, growers can have peace of mind that their crop is protected from day one.”

A Group 4D insecticide (flupyradifurone), Buteo Start offers immediate flea beetle protection to help reduce the need for in-crop rescue treatments. It works in conjunction with industry standard base seed treatments and can also be paired with cutworm treatments to allow for targeted pest control. Its systemic translocation from cotyledon to leaf margins reduces the potential for leaf matter damage.

Many areas of Western Canada reported heavy flea beetle damage in 2019. Recent local trials demonstrated control against high levels of flea beetle concentration, including the novel striped flea beetle that is prevalent across the Canadian Prairies.