Can you mix bifenthrin insecticide and liquid fertilizer?

One of the biggest questions we are currently hearing from farmers across the country involves bifenthrin insecticide. Bifenthrin is an important tool in the control of corn rootworm, wireworms and grubs, to name a few, so it makes sense that you’d want to consider applying it early, ahead of any insect pressure in your new corn crop.

There are a number of common and effective insecticides to choose from, and one many farmers prefer is bifenthrin insecticide. Capture® LFR® is one of the most common bifenthrin formulations used for this, but some farmers have also had success with generic formulations, such as Bifenture® LFC and Seize® LFC.

Can you add bifenthrin insecticide to your in-furrow liquid fertilizer application?

The simple answer is this: Only a bifenthrin designated with LFR or LFC, meaning liquid fertilizer compatible, can be used with your liquid fertilizer.

Read this next: Premix versus Tank Mix Ag Chemicals

Are all bifenthrin formulations the same?

Here’s the key takeaway: Not all bifenthrin formulations are the same. While the bifenthrin label may say it can be mixed with fertilizer, that doesn't mean it can be mixed with all fertilizers. That LFR/LRC designation is important. If you overlook that detail, you may find yourself grinding to a halt when the adverse chemical reaction leads to gelling and plugging issues.

Bifenthrin products that are not LFR or LFC (such as Bi-Dash2E, for example) should be jar tested prior to tank mixing with liquid fertilizer on a large scale. If the product label says, "do not apply in starter fertilizer," a jar test with starter fertilizer is pointless because to apply this way is an off-label use.

How to jar test bifenthrin products

As an example of how to do a jar test, we’ll use Bi-Dash 2E, which has corn rootworm control when applied in furrow at 0.3 fluid ounces per 1,000 ft of row. That correlates to 5.22 oz. per acre for 30 inch rows, and 4.35 oz per acre on 36 inch rows.*

To do a jar test for compatibility with 10-34-0 starter fertilizer (assuming an in-furrow application of 5 gallon per acre), combine the following in a clear quart jar:

For 30 inch rows: 20 oz. of fertilizer + 1 teaspoon of Bi-Dash 2E

For 36 inch rows: 25 oz. of fertilizer + 1 teaspoon of Bi-Dash 2E

• Seal the jar and shake well.

• Let stand for at least 30 minutes and observe if any separation of products occurs. Look for any floating product and settling of the product.

• If the combination stays in suspension together for this extended length of time, they are likely to also be compatible in larger volumes. Compatibility can also be improved with tank agitation or by using warm water, if you have those options.

*Many types of fertilizers are used as starters and may react differently so a jar test is highly recommended to avoid any mixing issues. Adjust quantities in a jar test when using different Bi-Dash 2E rates or in furrow gallonage, or a different non-LFR or LFC formulation.

Read this next: Do This Before You Step Foot in the Sprayer (4 min read)

Using a Dosatron® pump system to deliver bifenthrin products with liquid fertilizer

Another option to use a bifenthrin product would be to set up a chemical mixing system or pump system on your planter. It provides a convenient way to apply the Bi-Dash 2E directly into the seed furrow with no dilution or mixing in the sprayer tank. Remember that it will take some time to set up on your planter due to the required plumbing with the system, so it is not necessarily a quick fix. Also, these kinds of pumps do require maintenance similar to other equipment to ensure your applications are done correctly.

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. It is a violation of federal and state/provincial law to use any pesticide product other than in accordance with its label. The distribution, sale and use of an unregistered pesticide is a violation of federal and/or state law and is strictly prohibited. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided on this page or which is provided by us in any form. It is your responsibility to confirm prior to purchase and use that a product is labeled for your specific purposes, including, but not limited to, your target crop or pest and its compatibility with other products in a tank mix. Capture® and LFR® are trademarks of FMC Corporation or an affiliate. Bifenture® is a trademark of United Phosphorus, Inc. Seize® is a trademark of Sharda USA LLC.

Dosatron is a trademark of Dosatron International.