Reduced risk insecticide: Venerate
Venerate™ XC is a newer insecticide registered for use in Wisconsin on pome fruits, including apple, crabapple, pear, loquat, and quince as well as stone fruits, including apricot, cherry, nectarine, peach, plum, and prune. It is marketed by Marrone© Bio Innovations under the formulation XC (extra concentrated 95% active ingredient). Venerate is OMRI approved and can be applied in organic as well as conventional production systems. Venerate™ XC is a biological insecticide/miticide containing multiple active ingredients from heat-killed cells and fermentation solids of Burkholderia species strain A396. Venerate™ XC causes enzymatic degradation of the exoskeleton and interferes with the molting process of target insects. Mortality of the insect targets occurs through contact and/or ingestion of venerate™ XC.

Venerate is registered for control of plum curculio, pear psyllid, green fruitworm, leafrollers, oriental fruit moth, peach twig borer, redhumped caterpillar, tent caterpillar, and suppression only for stink bugs, aphids, mealybugs, mites, thrips, and whiteflies. See specific recommendations for some pests, such as peach twig borer and leafrollers.
Key considerations for the effectiveness of Venerate is close scouting and early attention to infestations. Proper timing of application targeting newly hatched immatures is essential for optimal effectiveness. Thorough coverage of infested plant parts is necessary for effective control of insects and mites.
Venerate can be applied by ground or air. Important mixing directions are outlined in the label, here is an exert: “Fill tank 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 of desired amount of water. Start the mechanical or hydraulic agitation to provide moderate circulation before adding VENERATE™ XC. Add the desired volume of VENERATE™ XC to the mix tank and the remaining volume of water and continue circulation. Maintain circulation while loading and spraying. “
Venerate is not toxic to bees, fish, birds or most beneficial insects. However, to minimize potential exposure to bees and other pollinators, do not apply while bees are foraging.
Venerate is OMRI approved and NOP compliant so it is a good option for organic growers. Its new modes of action can complement IPM programs and reduce risks of insecticide resistance.
As always, make sure to read and follow the label before using any pesticide. For more information on Venerate go here.
This article was posted in Insects and tagged Venerate.