WTNA Supports Continued Registration of Sequoia CA for Aphid Control

The Association has submitted a letter to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) supporting the continued registration of Sequoia CA for use in walnut and pecan orchards.

Walnut aphid and pecan aphids, including yellow and black pecan aphids, remain significant pests. These insects feed on leaves, reducing photosynthesis and causing honeydew buildup and sooty mold. In pecans, black pecan aphid feeding can also cause defoliation, reducing nut fill and return bloom. Uncontrolled infestations can lead to yield losses, reduced nut quality, and long-term orchard stress.

Sequoia CA, manufactured by Corteva Agriscience is classified as an IRAC Group 4C insecticide with a distinct mode of action. WTNA emphasized that this unique chemistry is important for resistance management, allowing growers to rotate modes of action and preserve long-term efficacy of existing tools. “Resistance management is critical to the sustainability of California’s tree nut industry,” the Association noted. “Maintaining access to multiple effective modes of action ensures growers can protect yield while preserving the effectiveness of existing pest control tools.”

The Association noted that maintaining access to Sequoia CA during aphid peak pressure of May through September is important to protecting yield and supporting sustainable integrated pest management programs in California tree nut production.