BioWorks Molt-X Organic Insecticide Questions & Answers
Q: What is Molt-X?
A: Botanically based Molt-X is an EPA-registered insecticide/nematicide, approved for use in organic production. This emulsifiable concentrate contains 3% azadirachtin active ingredient, providing broad spectrum control of foliar and soil-borne pests.
Q: Isn’t Molt-X just neem oil?
A: No, Molt-X is not neem oil and contains no neem oil. It is an emulsifiable concentrate formulation with azadirachtin as the active ingredient. Neem oil contains no azadirachtin, and azadirachtin contains no neem oil. Both neem oil and azadirachtin come from the neem tree, but that is where the similarity ends.
Q: What insect growth stage is most susceptible to Molt-X?
A: Molt-X acts on and kills larval stages of insects. Insects typically die between larval to larval, larval to pupal, nymph to nymph molts, or during adult eclosion (emergence of the adult from its pupal case.)
Q: Is Molt-X safe for beneficial insects?
A: Molt-X is safe to use with many Biological Control Agents (BCAs, or beneficial insects.) For more details see: molt-x-compatibility.pdf
Q: Is Molt-X systemic?
A: It has some systemic activity within the roots and leaves but is not fully systemic. Full spray coverage is key.
Q: Is Molt-X compatible in a tank mix?
A: Yes, it is an excellent tank mix partner with other biopesticides, including oils, and traditional chemistries. Molt-X’s mode of action can enhance the effects of other insecticides. Recommended to tank mix with an adulticide to kill both adults and larvae. A surfactant may be added to improve performance. See: molt-x-compatibility.pdf.
Q: Are there any phytotoxicity issues with Molt-X?
A: Molt-X has been shown to be safe on most plant species when used as directed by the label. Some species have shown slight phytotoxicity on blooms and very tender species may be sensitive. A test spray on a small number of plants is recommended prior to application on the entire crop.
Q: What is the rate range and recommended application interval for Molt-X?
A: Rate range: 8–10 oz for insect pests, or 8–15 oz for nematodes (per 100 gal. indoors or per acre outdoors) Recommended interval is 2–3 applications, 7–10 days apart, unless otherwise specified on the label.
Q: Is there a pH limit for Molt-X?
A: Recommended pH range is 5.5–6.5, with 7.0 maximum before the product will break down in solution.
Q: What type of application equipment can be used?
A: Apply Molt-X using any powered or manual pesticide application equipment, including high-volume, low-volume, ultra-low volume, electrostatic, fogging, and chemigation
Q: After mixing Molt-X, how long can it sit in the spray tank before use?
A: After mixing with water, Molt-X must be used within 8 hours. Do not allow mixed Molt-X solutions to remain overnight in the spray tank
Q: May Molt-X be used in organic production?
A: Yes, Molt-X is OMRI-Listed.
Q: Are there any environmental concerns with Molt-X?
A: Molt-X is toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates.
