DiPel® DF Biological Insecticide and XenTari® DF Biological Insecticide are used in agriculture and greenhouses to manage larvae (caterpillars) of lepidopteran pests. Successful insect management depends on many factors including application timing, rate, volume, and coverage.
While most product labels are written for large-scale applications, often only a small area needs to be treated. The DiPel and XenTari labels contain a small spray volume chart that can help you make accurate calculations for spot treatments or applications on smaller acreage.
How much DiPel or XenTari should you use?
For DiPel DF and XenTari DF, refer to the label to determine the amount of product needed per gallon of water. As an example, here is the Smaller Spray Volume chart from the U.S. labels.
(Always read and follow label instructions. For label information or SDS, please contact your local distributor.)
| Label Rate | Use This Amount Per Gallon | |
| Volume | Weight | |
| 1/4 lb/acre or 100 gals | 1/2 tsp | 0.04 oz |
| 1/2 lb/acre or 100 gals | 1 tsp | 0.08 oz |
| 1 lb/acre or 100 gals | 2 tsp | 0.16 oz |
| 2 lb/acre or 100 gals | 4 tsp | 0.32 oz |
Frequently Asked Questions for Small Spray Volume Applications
- How do I use DiPel / XenTari?
- Thorough spray coverage is key. Use sufficient spray volume and proper nozzle configuration to ensure uniform coverage on all plant surfaces.
- Under heavy pest pressure, use the higher label rates, shorten the spray interval, and/or increase spray volume to improve spray coverage.
- When and how often should I apply DiPel / XenTari?
- Start your applications when the larvae are small—these caterpillars are highly susceptible to DiPel and XenTari.
- Repeat applications at intervals sufficient to maintain control, usually every 3 to 14 days. This depends on factors such as plant growth, insect activity, and weather conditions.
- Can DiPel and XenTari be tank mixed?
- DiPel and XenTari may be tank mixed with other labeled insecticides to enhance control. Before tank mixing DiPel and XenTari with other labeled products, including spreader-stickers, check for tank-mix compatibility.
- Can DiPel and XenTari be used on vegetables?
- DiPel and XenTari can be used on many crops, including vegetables such as tomato or hemp. Refer to product labels for a full list of registered crops.
- How long does it take DiPel and XenTari to work?
- DiPel and XenTari start working quickly after ingestion. Larvae stop feeding and damaging crops within minutes to hours after application. Though it may take 1-3 days for the larvae to die, they will not damage crops during that time.
- Are DiPel and XenTari safe for bees?
- With a selective and targeted mode of action, DiPel Biological Insecticide and XenTari Biological Insecticide only control caterpillar pests without affecting other non-target arthropods.
- Check out our blog: Can DiPel and XenTari Be Used with Beneficial Insects and Around Pollinators
For more tips on using DiPel effectively, read: How to Use DiPel
Always read and follow label instructions. For label information or SDS, please contact your local distributor.
