R.F.W. SCHRODER
Florida Food Products, Inc, P.O. Box 1300, Eustis, Florida USA, 32727-1300

The corn rootworm is one of the most serious pests on corn in the United States. Growers routinely apply soil insecticides to 50-60% of the 30 million acres of corn annually to control the pest. Insecticides are routinely applied prophylactically and are frequently unnecessary, and may cause imposed health risks to growers, livestock and wildlife, in addition to possible ground water and environmental contamination. Florida Food Products, Inc, in cooperation with USDA, identified, extracted and developed a   feeding stimulant/arrestant specific to the corn rootworm, known as Invite*. Invite*EC is an inert, emulsifiable concentrate that is mixed with low levels of insecticides (less than 10%) to control adult corn rootworm beetles. Invite* contains a naturally occurring, EPA approved arrestant/feeding stimulant upon which the corn rootworm compulsively feeds. We have clearly demonstrated in our field trials and aerial applications this summer that Invite* applied with low levels of organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids and other inert products dramatically enhanced insecticide activity, resulting in accelerated knockdown and sustained performance. The impact of Invite* mixed with reduced rates of pesticides on non-target insects including lady beetles, honey bees, lacewings, and other parasites and predators has been minimal.  Invite* was applied with reduced rates of pesticides to over 50,000 acres of corn in 2000 and several 100,000 acres in 2001 with excellent results. We have provide the farmer with an alternative, safe, economical and effective product for control of the corn rootworm pest complex. We are planning to market this product in Europe and South America.