Lepigen® for Control of Resistant Diamondback Moths (DBM)

An Effective and Economical Biological Insecticide without Harming Beneficial Insects

Lepigen® is a biological insecticide that controls Plutella xylostella (Diamondback Moth) larvae which are resistant to chemical insecticides.

Diamondback Moth melted on a cabbage leaf

Lepigen® is a Novel And Highly Selective Group 31 Mode of Action Insecticide for Resistant Diamondback Moth Control

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TARGETED PESTS
Plutella xylostella - Diamondback Moth
ACTIVE INGREDIENT
(A.I.): Autographa californica Multiple Nucleopolyhedrovirus
FORMULATION
Suspension Concentrate (SC)
KEY CROPS with RATE of USE at 2.4floz/acre
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower
  • Kale
Diamondback Moth growth chart
LEPIGEN® APPLICATION THRESHOLD
Thorough crop coverage is essential, as the A.I. in Lepigen® must be ingested by larvae to be effective. Lepigen® is most effective when applied to small larvae at very early infestation levels.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER APPLICATION

Up to 3 days after application
Lepigen® effectively  targets very small DBM larvae (1st and 2nd instars). Infected small larvae feed very little, become increasingly lethargic, and are much more vulnerable to predation and environmental stress (i.e., dehydration).
4-6 days after application
At this stage, infected larvae are quite sick, stop feeding, and develop a dark brown color. Their skin bursts open, releasing billions of viral particles onto the environment. These viral particles are effectively dispersed by wind, rain, and predators and can infect other healthy DBM larvae.

NOTE!
Do not use Lepigen® as a curative treatment past the 3rd Instar (medium-small). In this situation, alternative control methods should be considered.
COMPATIBILITY
Lepigen® is compatible as a tank mix partner with insecticides, fungicides and fertilizers. Ensure tank mixture solution pH is <8 prior to adding Lepigen® to the tank.
CAUTION
Spray solution pH above 8 may damage the virus and reduce performance of Lepigen®. If needed, use a suitable buffer (acidifier).
THE APPLICATION WINDOW OF LEPIGEN FOR OPTIMAL EFFECTIVENESS PER KEY CROP
Lepigen Application Window
Image of Heligen Gallon Container

Lepigen®

Biological insecticide for the control of Plutella xylostella. larvae

Insect Target
Plutella xylostella (Diamondback Moth)

Registered Crops
Brassica leafy vegetables group, specifically cabbage, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli.

1 Gallon

Technical Information

Scout early! Be proactive with Lepigen® for fast results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lepigen®?
Lepigen® is a biological insecticide that controls Plutella xylostella (Diamondback Moth) larvae which are resistant to chemical insecticides.

What is the Active Ingredient in Lepigen®?
A Natural occurring virus called Autographa californica Multiple Nucleopolyhedrovirus

How Does Lepigen® Work?
Lepigen® is a suspension of virus particles called Occlusion Bodies (OB’s). When larvae ingest OB’s by eating Lepigen® sprayed crops, they become infected with the virus. Using the insect’s own metabolism, the virus replicates itself and invades almost every cell of the insect – causing them to rupture. This releases a virus-laden liquid, which spreads throughout the crop, providing ongoing control of susceptible caterpillars.

What Pests Does Lepigen® Control?
Diamondback Moths.

Does Lepigen® Work on Larvae Populations that have Developed Resistance to Synthetic Insecticides?
Yes. It is a valuable rotational mixing partner in controlling larvae resistant to synthetic insecticides. There are no known cases of resistance developing to NPV-based insecticides anywhere in the world.

Is Lepigen® Harmful to Beneficials?
No, Lepigen® is a species-specific biological insecticide used to control Diamondback Moths and has no impact on beneficial species. Actually, beneficial species help transmit the virus throughout the ecosystem more quickly, which can result in better coverage and control.

What are the Approved Crops for Lepigen?
Crops include: Brassica leafy vegetables group, specifically cabbage, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli.

What is Lepigen’s PHI or REI?
Lepigen® does not have a pre-harvest interval (PHI). The re-entry interval (REI) is 4 hours.
What Should I Expect after Application?
Up to 3 days: Lepigen effectively  targets very small DBM larvae (1st and 2nd instars). Infected small larvae feed very little, become increasingly lethargic, and are much more vulnerable to predation and environmental stress (i.e., dehydration).

4-6 days: At this stage, infected larvae are quite sick, stop feeding, and develop a dark brown color. Their skin bursts open, releasing billions of viral particles onto the environment. These viral particles are effectively dispersed by wind, rain, and predators and can infect other healthy DBM larvae.

Is Lepigen® Compatible with Other Insecticides?
When mixed with water, Lepigen® is highly compatible with the majority of insecticides and fertilizers. Ensure that the mixture has a pH of 8 or less before adding Lepigen® as alkalinity will damage the virus. Avoid mixing with BT insecticides.

How Should Lepigen® be Stored?
Ideally, Lepigen® should be stored at temperatures below 34°F AVOID direct sunlight. Unused product can be stored in the original container for future use.

Does Lepigen® Have Any Residual Activity?
The virus in Lepigen® is degraded by ultraviolet light. As a result, the sprayed virus may only be viable for a few days in the crop. However, once the initial population dies, huge quantities of virus will be released. This replicated virus will last for many weeks and will control recurring populations. Applying the virus while larvae are most active (feeding) increases the likelihood of ingesting and ultimately higher levels of control.