INSECTICIDE

PRODIGY INSECTICIDE

APVMA no.: 61605
Registrant: CORTEVA AGRISCIENCE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
Formulation: SUSPENSION CONCENTRATE

PRODIGY INSECTICIDE is a selective suspension concentrate formulation containing 240 g/L methoxyfenozide. Manufactured by Corteva Agriscience Australia, it provides targeted control of key lepidopteran pests, including light brown apple moth, across horticultural and viticultural crops.

Designed for integration into commercial pest management strategies, Prodigy acts specifically on caterpillar larvae. This selectivity makes it an effective component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes in major production regions, such as citrus orchards in Sunraysia and the Riverland or grape blocks in the Yarra Valley, Hunter Valley, and Barossa. By sparing many beneficial insects and predatory mites when applied as directed, it helps maintain biological control pressure in the canopy.

Positioned early in larval pest cycles, Prodigy fits into cover spray programmes to deliver residual feeding protection. Growers should align application timing with local monitoring and egg-hatch observations to protect foliage and fruit development.

Active constituents

METHOXYFENOZIDE240 g/L

Registered uses

Crop	Pest or disease
Grape	Light brown apple moth
Lemon	Light brown apple moth
Lime	Light brown apple moth
Orange	Light brown apple moth

Withholding period

Tomato, Peppers (Capsicum and Chilli), Eggplant and Okra: NOT REQUIRED WHEN USED AS DIRECTED
Citrus fruits: DO NOT HARVEST FOR 1 DAY AFTER APPLICATION.
Longan: DO NOT HARVEST FOR 3 DAYS AFTER APPLICATION.
Almond: DO NOT APPLY WITHIN 7 DAYS OF HARVEST.
Blueberry: DO NOT APPLY WITHIN 7 DAYS OF HARVEST.
Avocado, Carob, Coffee, Custard apple, Kiwifruit, Lychee and Pome fruit: DO NOT HARVEST FOR 14 DAYS AFTER APPLICATION.
Grapes (for domestic consumption): DO NOT HARVEST FOR 21 DAYS AFTER APPLICATION.
Grapes (for export or wine production): Consult your winery, industry spray diary or peak industry body for the recommended withholding period (export harvest interval) required to meet export residue requirements.
Macadamia: DO NOT HARVEST FOR 28 DAYS AFTER APPLICATION.
GRAZING WITHHOLDING PERIOD
All crops, orchards, plantations and vineyards:
DO NOT graze treated crops
DO NOT allow livestock to graze within treated orchards, plantations or vineyards.

Withholding periods vary depending on the target crop and market destination. For grapes grown for export or wine production, growers must consult their winery, regional spray diary, or peak industry body (such as the AWRI) to determine the required export harvest interval to satisfy overseas residue limits. For domestic harvest WHPs, observe the specific crop directions printed on the label.

Strict grazing restrictions apply across all registered crops, orchards, plantations, and vineyards: do not graze treated crops or allow livestock to graze within treated areas.

Mode of action

Methoxyfenozide is an ecdysone receptor agonist belonging to IRAC Group 18. It functions by binding directly to the ecdysone receptor protein in target lepidopteran larvae, mimicking the insect moulting hormone. Upon ingestion, this triggers a premature and lethal moulting process, causing susceptible caterpillars to stop feeding quickly and die within their head capsules or un-shed larval skins.

Resistance management

Prodigy Insecticide is a Group 18 insecticide. Continuous or repeated use of Group 18 chemistry increases the risk of developing resistant insect populations. To preserve efficacy, avoid applying Group 18 products over consecutive generations of the target pest. Rotate applications with effective insecticides from distinct mode-of-action groups (such as Group 5, Group 6, or Group 28). Adhere to regional windowing strategies, industry spray diaries, and maximum seasonal application guidelines specified on the approved container label.

Tank-mix compatibility

Review the compatibility notes and restrictions on the approved label before combining Prodigy with other products. Perform a physical jar test using water from the spray source to verify physical compatibility prior to broad-scale tank mixing. Exercise caution when mixing with crop oils or oil-based adjuvants under conditions of high heat or plant stress, and avoid unverified multi-product tank mixes.

Handling and environment

Refer to the APVMA-approved product label for complete safety directions, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and environmental caution statements. Follow label instructions regarding spray drift management, application equipment calibration, and protection of non-target areas and aquatic habitats. For re-entry periods, safety precautions, and handling guidelines, always read and follow the printed container label.

Common questions

When is the optimal timing to apply Prodigy for light brown apple moth?: Prodigy relies on ingestion by active larvae. Best results are achieved when applications target egg hatch or small, early-instar larvae before caterpillars construct dense protective webbing or move deep into fruit clusters. Monitor pest activity in your block and refer to label instructions.
Why do export wine grapes have different harvest recommendations than domestic grapes?: Export destination countries often establish lower maximum residue limits (MRLs) or require longer clearance times than the domestic market. Wine producers must consult industry spray guides (such as the AWRI recommendation list) or their winery representative to comply with export harvest intervals.
How does Prodigy fit into an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy?: Because methoxyfenozide specifically targets the ecdysone receptors of lepidopteran larvae, it displays low activity against key beneficial arthropods like predatory mites, lacewings, and parasitoid wasps when used according to the label. This helps preserve natural predator populations in the canopy.
What steps should I take before tank mixing Prodigy with other chemicals?: Check the label for explicit compatibility statements or prohibitions. Perform a jar test to confirm physical stability, ensure correct tank-mixing sequence, and avoid applying oil-containing tank mixes during hot conditions.
Where can I find specific application rates and water volumes for my orchard or block?: Exact application rates, dilute and concentrate spraying instructions, and mandatory spray drift conditions are set out on the approved product label attached to the container. Always read the approved label before preparing spray solutions.