Valent XenTari Biological Insecticide Dry Flowable — Bacillus thuringiensis 1lb

Selective Biological Caterpillar Control With Zero Pre-Harvest Interval — Trusted on 200+ Crops

Armyworm and diamondback moth infestations can devastate leafy vegetables, cole crops, and field crops within days, and conventional insecticide programs don't always deliver the timing flexibility growers need close to harvest. Valent XenTari Biological Insecticide Dry Flowable addresses both problems. Formulated from a pure, potent strain of Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawai (Bta) — composed of protein crystals and viable endospores — XenTari delivers targeted larval control with a 0-day PHI and 4-hour REI that allow applications right up to harvest without residue concerns.

Unlike broad-spectrum chemical insecticides, XenTari is highly selective to lepidopteran larvae. When susceptible larvae ingest treated plant tissue, Bta protein crystals dissolve in the alkaline gut environment, binding to receptors in the midgut and causing pore formation that stops feeding and leads to larval death. Non-target insects — including beneficial parasitoids and predators critical to IPM programs — are not affected, making XenTari a strong fit for resistance management rotations and organic-compatible spray programs.

XenTari is labeled for use on over 200 crops at application rates of 0.5–2 lb/Acre, covering armyworms, bagworms, budworms, cotton bollworm, European corn borer, twig borers, and multiple budworm species. It is approved for use in certified organic production when applied in accordance with program guidelines.

Key Features & Benefits

• 0-Day PHI — Apply Right Up to Harvest — XenTari's zero pre-harvest interval gives growers maximum scheduling flexibility, particularly in fast-cycling leafy vegetable crops where harvest windows are narrow and pest pressure peaks late in the season.
• 4-Hour REI for Rapid Field Re-Entry — Workers can re-enter treated areas just 4 hours after application, minimizing disruption to field operations in high-frequency harvest environments.
• Highly Selective — Safe for Beneficial Insects — Bta targets only lepidopteran larvae, leaving beneficial wasps, predatory beetles, and other natural enemies intact to support biological control within your IPM program.
• Organic-Compatible Biological Mode of Action — Formulated from naturally occurring Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawai protein crystals and endospores, XenTari is a recognized biological insecticide for use in organic production systems.
• Broad Crop Spectrum — Labeled for 200+ Crops — One product covers armyworm and caterpillar pressure across cole crops, leafy vegetables, tree fruits, ornamentals, and field crops, reducing the number of SKUs needed in a spray program.
• Resistance Management Tool for Chemical Programs — XenTari's biological mode of action (IRAC Group 11A) provides a rotation option for operations cycling chemical insecticides from Groups 1, 3, or 28 to manage resistance development.
• Dry Flowable Formulation — Easy to Measure and Mix — The dry flowable format disperses readily in water, produces a uniform suspension, and delivers consistent coverage when applied with standard spray equipment.

Who Should Use Valent XenTari

XenTari is purpose-built for certified organic growers, conventional growers with harvest-window timing constraints, IPM practitioners, and anyone managing caterpillar pressure in crops where residue concerns or re-entry limitations make chemical options impractical. Commercial vegetable operations, cole crop and leafy green growers, tree fruit and berry producers managing budworm and armyworm pressure, and ornamental growers dealing with bagworm are all strong fits. XenTari is also a preferred rotation partner for chemical insecticide programs where resistance prevention is an active management goal.

Pests Controlled

XenTari controls Amorbia, Armyworm, Bagworm, Batrachedra, Cotton Bollworm, European Corn Borer, Twig Borer, Black-Headed Budworm, Jackpine Budworm, Spruce Budworm, Diamondback Moth, and additional lepidopteran species on its full label. Apply at 0.5–2 lb/Acre according to pest pressure and crop growth stage. Not registered for use in Alaska.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes XenTari different from other Bt products like Dipel or Javelin?

XenTari uses Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawai (Bta), a distinct subspecies from the kurstaki (Btk) strain used in Dipel and most other Bt products. Bta produces different protein crystals that are particularly effective against armyworm species and diamondback moth — two pests that have shown field resistance to Btk-based products. Growers experiencing reduced performance from Btk products often find XenTari significantly more effective against these resistant pest populations.

How quickly does XenTari work after application?

Larvae that ingest XenTari-treated plant material stop feeding within hours of exposure, though death may take 2–5 days depending on larval size, temperature, and ingested dose. The feeding cessation — not just larval mortality — is the primary economic benefit, because crop damage stops quickly even before larvae die. Apply to early-instar larvae for the fastest and most complete results.

Is XenTari approved for certified organic production?

XenTari contains a naturally occurring bacterial active ingredient and is formulated as a biological pesticide reviewed for compliance with USDA National Organic Program (NOP) standards. Growers operating under organic certification should confirm approval with their certifier before use, as approved materials lists can vary by certifying agency and crop.

Can XenTari be tank-mixed with conventional insecticides?

XenTari can be tank-mixed with many conventional insecticides, adjuvants, and fertilizers, but compatibility should be verified with a jar test before large-scale use. Highly alkaline spray solutions can degrade Bta proteins, so pH should be checked and adjusted if needed. Consult the full label and your local distributor for specific tank-mix recommendations.

What are the storage requirements for XenTari dry flowable?

XenTari dry flowable should be stored in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Opened packages should be resealed tightly and used within the same growing season for maximum potency. The viable endospores remain active when stored correctly, but heat and humidity can reduce efficacy over time if storage conditions are not maintained.