Valent XenTari Biological Insecticide Dry Flowable — Bacillus thuringiensis 1lb

Zero Pre-Harvest Interval Caterpillar Control for Organic & Conventional Programs, 1lb

Armyworm and diamondback moth larvae can strip leafy vegetables and cole crops within days, and a harvest window that's too tight rules out many chemical options close to picking. XenTari Biological Insecticide Dry Flowable uses a potent strain of Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawai (Bta) that targets lepidopteran larvae selectively, with a 0-day PHI and 4-hour REI that let growers treat right up to harvest.

This 1lb dry flowable size mixes into a standard spray tank for a season's worth of applications across the 200+ crops on the label, at rates of 0.5-2 lb/Acre.

Key Features & Benefits

• 0-Day PHI — apply up to the day of harvest on labeled crops, which matters most in fast-cycling leafy vegetables with narrow harvest windows.
• 4-Hour REI — workers can re-enter treated fields just 4 hours after application, minimizing disruption to field operations.
• Selective to Lepidopteran Larvae — Bta targets caterpillar pests specifically, leaving beneficial wasps, predatory beetles, and other natural enemies unharmed.
• Organic-Compatible Biological Mode of Action — formulated from naturally occurring Bta protein crystals and endospores; growers should confirm approval with their certifier before use in organic production.
• Dry Flowable Format — disperses into a uniform suspension in standard spray equipment for consistent coverage across the label's 200+ crops.

Who Should Use Valent XenTari

XenTari fits certified organic growers, conventional growers working within tight harvest windows, and IPM practitioners managing armyworm, diamondback moth, budworm, or bagworm pressure across vegetables, tree fruit, berries, and ornamentals. It's also a common rotation partner in chemical insecticide programs where resistance prevention is an active goal.

About Valent

Valent U.S.A. LLC, headquartered in San Ramon, California, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. and develops insecticides, biorational and botanical pest-control products, herbicides, and seed treatments for row crop and specialty crop growers across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawai (Bta) different from the more common kurstaki (Btk) strains?

Bta produces a different set of protein crystals than the Btk subspecies used in most other Bt insecticides, and it's particularly effective against armyworm species and diamondback moth — two pests that have shown field resistance to Btk-based products. Growers seeing reduced performance from Btk products often find Bta chemistry like XenTari more effective against those same resistant 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. Feeding cessation — not just larval mortality — is the main economic benefit, since crop damage stops even before larvae die.

Is XenTari approved for certified organic production?

XenTari's active ingredient is a naturally occurring bacterium formulated as a biological pesticide, and it is reviewed for compliance with USDA National Organic Program standards. Growers operating under organic certification should confirm approval with their certifier before use, since 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 check and adjust pH if needed.

What are the storage requirements for XenTari dry flowable?

Store XenTari dry flowable in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat. Reseal opened packages tightly and use them within the same growing season, since heat and humidity can reduce the viable endospore count over time.