Xentari - Biological Insecticide for Box Moth Control

Box Caterpillar Treatment

 

XenTari® is a biological insecticide containing a natural, potent strain of the microorganism Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies aizawai (Bta) that controls the box caterpillar pest.

Mix the micro-granules with water. Ideally 1 gram for 1 litre of water for 10 m² of boxwood surface. Thoroughly spray the upper and under sides of the leaves to make spraying effective.

When a caterpillar eats the treated leaves, it ingests the “Cry” proteins from XenTari. The protein crystals are solubilized in the gut of the caterpillar and gut cells are irreparably damaged. Once this damage occurs, Bta spores enter through the gut wall and germinate rapidly in the body cavity causing blood poisoning. The larvae then die in 1-3 days.

When a caterpillar eats the XenTari-treated leaves, its feeding stops within 1 hour. Although affected caterpillars die in a couple of days, the damage to the boxwood stops after 1 hour.
Note: the caterpillars die only after they have eaten from the treated leaf. Sometimes the caterpillars do not start eating immediately, so they will not die immediately but do not cause any damage either.

With its highly specific activity and natural origin, XenTari does not harm important beneficial insects such as bees for pollination, insect predators, and parasites used in control of other insect pests. XenTari is also not harmful to humans, wildlife or the environment.

Preferably treat the plants if the temperature is above 15°C.
Repeat the treatment after 1 to 2 weeks for continuous box caterpillar control.
XenTari can be used in combination with TOPBUXUS HEALTH-MIX. 

Buy Now

Xentari is not yet currently available for sale in the UK but can be purchased direct from the manufacturer in Holland.

Please click here to be redirected to their webshop.

Box Caterpillar and Moth