University of
Nebraska		 Ent Web Logo Department
of Entomology

Insecticides for Control of Grasshoppers in Wheat

Updated May 4, 2006 by Gary Hein and John Thomas

Treatment guidelines based on number of grasshoppers (nymphs and adults) per square yard can be used through the season. Moderate to abundant grasshopper populations can cause considerable damage to headed wheat by clipping the stems resulting in dropped heads.
Grasshopper PopulationWithin FieldField MarginTreat?
Non-Economic0 - 25 - 10No
Light3 - 711 - 20Questionable; depends on size, species, type of crop.
Moderate8 - 1420 - 40Probably
Abundant15 or more41 or moreYes
In the fall, the thresholds above need to be modified for grasshopper control in winter wheat because only a minimal amount of leaf material is available for the grasshoppers to eat. Adult grasshoppers can consume a great deal of plant material in a short time. Due to the low amount of vegetation available and the large size of the grasshoppers, light to moderate infestations in the field and borders can cause stand reduction or loss along borders.
This list is not inclusive. See http://www.greenbook.net or other resources for additional registrations.
This information is presented in abbreviated form. Be sure to consult the label for additional information and restrictions.
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IRAC Mode of Action Classification:
  • Group 1 = Acetylcholine esterase inhibitors; 1A = Carbamates; 1B = Organophosphates
  • Group 3 = Sodium channel modulators
R = Restricted-Use Product * = Suitable for chemigation ai = active ingredient REI = Re-Entry Interval
Mode of
Action 		Product
Name		 Common
Name		 Rate Restrictions/Comments
1B R Methyl 4EC methyl parathion 0.375 - 0.5 lb ai/A Do not apply within 15 days of harvest. REI 5 days.
1B Dimethoate,
Dimate		 dimethoate Up to 0.375 lb ai/A Do not apply within 35 days of harvest. REI 48 days.
1B R Di-Syston 15% G disulfoton 1.67 oz/1000 ft,
Up to 6.7 lb/A		 Apply by drilling or broadcast at planting time. REI 72 hrs.
1A R Furadan 4F carbofuran 0.25 - 0.5 pt/A Apply before heads emerge from boot. Do not feed treated forage to livestock. REI 48 hrs.
1A R Furadan 4F
24(c) Label		 carbofuran 0.25 - 0.5 fl oz/1000 ft
in furrow at planting.		 Must have supplemental label in possession at application. Do not feed treated forage to livestock.
1B R Lorsban 4E*,
Nufos 4E*		 chlorpyrifos 0.5 - 1.0 pt/A Do not apply within 28 days of harvest. REI 24 hrs.
1B Malathion
(Multiple Products)		 malathion Up to 1.25 lbs ai/A Do not apply within 7 days of harvest. REI 12 hrs.
3 R Mustang Max zeta-cypermethrin 3.2 - 4.0 oz/A Do not apply within 14 days of harvest. REI 12 hrs.
1B R Penncap-M methyl parathion 2 - 3 pts/A Do not apply within 15 days of grazing or harvest. REI 5 days.
3 R Proaxis gamma-cyhalothrin 2.56 - 3.84 oz/A Do not apply within 30 days of harvest. REI 24 hrs.
3 R Warrior,*
generics		 lambda-cyhalothrin 2.56 - 3.84 oz/A Do not apply within 30 days of harvest. REI 24 hrs.
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