TriStar and Adelgids

Hemlocks and spruce trees are being threatened by adelgids. These pests were introduced into the U.S. in the 1950’s, but now they are endangering these trees to the point of possible extinction. Cleary Chemical’s TriStar Insecticide is a foliar-applied nicotinyl insecticide that will control this devastating pest, and many more, for approximately 4-8 weeks. The length of control will depend on the growth of the plant. TriStar offers contact, translaminar and systemic (within 2 hours) activity. Unlike most insecticides, TriStar is odorless, soft on beneficial insects (including bees), and safe on all flowers, trees and shrubs. TriStar has the lowest rate of UV degradation of any nicotinyl on the market today and acts as an ovicide, killing eggs before and during hatch. This is critical because adelgids can reproduce very quickly.
TriStar is a broad-spectrum insecticide and is compatible with most commonly used fungicides and miticides*. Cleary Chemical has numerous TriStar trials with other application methods in progress. Cleary is anticipating that other application methods will offer an easier method to control the Adelgid if the foliar spray applications are difficult to make. Based on the successful use of TriStar to manage Emerald Ash Borer, Cleary has initiated trials with a cambium injection method on hemlocks with Dr. Kris Braman, Professor of Entomology at Georgia University, in the mountains of Highland, North Carolina. We also have a TriStar trial with a low volume basal bark spray application in cooperation with Ray Bracken Nursery, Pelzer, South Carolina, for bark feeding borers. Look for announcements with updates on these trials in the near future. Count on Cleary and TriStar!

*TriStar is typically applied as a foliar spray.

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