Why Use Fawligen®?

The Missing Piece for FAW Resistance Management

Frequently Asked Questions
Infected Fall Armyworm sprayed with Fawligen

Fawligen® is a nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV)-based biological insecticide designed to selectively control Fall armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda). Fawligen® should be used in Sweet Corn (maize) and Sorghum to control larvae resistant to chemical insecticides.

Fawligen® is a Valuable Addition to your Sweet Corn and Sorghum Program

KEY BENEFITS OF FAWLIGEN®
Completely Safe to the Environment and Applicators
Fawligen® is an OMRl-certified organic insecticide. It is highly selective, thus allowing valuable beneficial arthropods to build up on the crop also helping to control FAW insect infestations.
Unique Mode of Action (IRAC Group 31)
This makes Fawligen® the perfect tank-mix partner to control populations resistant to chemical insecticides. There are no known cases of resistance to NPV-based insecticides anywhere in the world.
TARGETED PESTS
Spodoptera frugiperda Fall Armyworm
‍‍ACTIVE INGREDIENT
(A.I.): Spodoptera frugiperda Multiple Nucleopolyhedrovirus (SfMNPV)
‍‍FORMULATION
‍Suspension Concentrate (SC)
RATE OF USE – KEY CROPS
Sweet Corn – 1.2 to 2.4 fl oz/acre
Field Corn – 1.2 to 2.4 fl oz/acre
Sorghum – 1.0 to 2.4 fl oz/acre
Wheat – 1.0 to 2.4 fl oz/acre
Rice – 1.0 - 1.6 fl oz/acre
Turf/Pasture – 1.0 to 1.4 fl oz/acre
Fall Armyworm Growth Chart
FAWLIGEN® APPLICATION THRESHOLD
‍≤5 Small ( ≤ ½") Larvae per 25 Sweeps
Thorough crop coverage is essential, as the A.I. in Heligen® must be ingested by larvae to be effective. Heligen® is most effective when applied to small larvae at very early infestation levels.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER APPLICATION

‍Up to 3 days after application
‍Infected larvae continue to feed but become lethargic and move upward on the crop – thus, exposed to heat and more vulnerable to predators.
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4-6 days after application
‍Feeding gradually stops and, often, sick are found on top of crops or hanging under the plant's canopy, being cannibalized by other FAW larvae. Larval skin bursts open, releasing billions of viral particles onto the crop. These particles are effectively dispersed by wind, rain, and many arthropods, including predators that feed on the dead larvae cadavers.
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NOTE!
Do not use Fawligen® as a curative treatment past the 4th Instar (medium-large FAW). In this situation, alternative control methods should be considered.
COMPATIBILITY
Fawligen® is compatible as a tank mix partner with insecticides, fungicides and fertilizers. Ensure tank mixture solution pH is <8 prior to adding Fawligen® to the tank.
CAUTION
Spray solution pH above 8 may damage the virus and reduce performance of Fawligen®. If needed, use a suitable buffer (acidifier).
THE APPLICATION WINDOW OF FAWLIGEN® FOR OPTIMAL EFFECTIVENESS PER KEY CROP
Thumbnail of Sweet Corn

Sweet Corn

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Thumbnail of Sorghum Field

Sorghum

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Image of a gallon of Fawligen

Fawligen®

Biological insecticide for the control of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) larvae

Insect Target
Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperdaomato fruitworm).

Registered Crops
Registered for all key crops susceptible to Fall armyworm infestations, but currently sold as part of Sorghum and Sweet Corn (maize) Fall Armyworm control program.

‍1 Gallon

Technical Information

Fawligen Product Label Folder Icon

Fawligen® Product Label

Fawligen Safety Data Sheet Folder Icon

Fawligen® Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Scout early! Be proactive with Fawligen® and get an economical lasting control.
Frequently Asked Questions
‍What Should I Expect after Application?
Generally, Fawligen® will provide upwards of 90% control dependent upon environmental and weather conditions. Larvae may continue feeding for 1-3 days after becoming infected with NPV and will typically die within 3-9 days. Smaller larvae die faster, and warmer temperatures will increase the speed of kill. Expect slower results when temperatures are cooler (less than 65°F). NPV-infected larvae will not show obvious symptoms of disease until 1-2 days before death.
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Is Fawligen® Compatible with Other Insecticides?
When mixed with water, Fawligen® is highly compatible with the majority of insecticides and fertilizers. Ensure that the mixture has a pH of 8 or less before adding Fawligen® as alkalinity will damage the virus.
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How Should Fawligen® be Stored?
Ideally, Fawligen® should be stored at temperatures below 34°F, however, it can be stored at room temperature (77°F or less) for up to 6 months and should never be kept in an environment above 86°F. Do NOT leave in direct sunlight for longer than 2 hours or in spray tank for extended periods of time. Unused product can be stored in the original container for future use.
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Does Fawligen® Have Any Residual Activity?
‍The virus in Fawligen® 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.
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How Do I Know if I Have Fall Armyworms in my Crop?
Fall armyworms have an inverted “Y” on their head capsule. They also have 4 black dots on their last abdominal segment
What is Fawligen®?
‍A biological insecticide that controls Spodoptera frugiperda (Fall Armyworm).
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What is the Active Ingredient in Heligen®?
‍A Natural occurring virus called Spodoptera frugiperdaMultiple Nucleopolyhedrovirus (SfMNPV)
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How Does Fawligen® Work?
‍Fawligen® is a suspension of virus particles called Occlusion Bodies (OB’s). When larvae ingest OB’s by eating Fawligen® 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.
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Does Fawligen® 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.
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Is Fawligen® Harmful to Beneficials?
No, Fawligen® is a species-specific biological insecticide used to control Fall Armyworm 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.
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What are the Approved Crops for Fawligen?
Crops include: sweet corn and sorghum.
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What is Heligen®’s PHI or REI?
Fawligen® does not have a pre-harvest interval (PHI). The re-entry interval (REI) is 4 hours.