August 8, 2013

Not repeatedly using insecticides with the same mode of action is an important principle in insecticide resistance management (IRM). There is an increasing diversity of insecticide modes of action available for use on crops. Products are now available combining two or more active ingredients, often with different modes of action. A new smart phone app has been developed that allow users to quickly look up this information from their phone.

The IRAC (Insecticide Resistance Action Committee) developed the Mode of Action Classification App for mobile devices. It is an easy-to-use, searchable database which allows the user to identify insecticide active ingredients and their respective Mode of Action groups. Once downloaded, the app doesn’t require a data connection.

The user can either scroll through and open each of the groups and classes to see the active ingredients listed or use the filter function to select a particular group, class, or active ingredient to find out where they fit within the classification.

The IRAC MoA App is free and can be downloaded from the

• iTunes Apple Store for the iPhone or iPad (https://itunes.apple.com/tr/app/irac-moa/id619358838?mt=8) 
• Google Play Store for Android phones (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=irac.moa).

A version for tablets using the Android system will follow shortly.

Bob Wright
Extension Entomologist